deal with it

/diːl wɪð ɪt/
phrasal verb★Intermediate— handle a difficult situation
◆ What It Really Means
To accept and handle a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining or avoiding it.
Literal Meaning
To physically or directly handle or manage something.
Literal Breakdown
dealto distribute or manage+within relation to+ita specific object or thing
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of someone facing a challenge head-on and managing it, often with a sense of resignation or frustration.
◈ When to Use
A friend is upset about a minor inconvenience, and you tell them, 'Just deal with it,' to encourage them to accept the situation and move on.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase is common in English-speaking cultures and is often used to express frustration or to encourage resilience in the face of difficulties.
informal

To accept and handle a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining or avoiding it.

Life isn't always fair, but you have to deal with it.

You must accept and manage unfair situations in life.

The boss gave me extra work, but I just have to deal with it.

I need to accept and handle the additional workload.

💡

Often used to express frustration or resignation when facing a problem.

Collocations

deal with it yourselfhandle the situation independentlylearn to deal with itaccept and manage the problem over time

Related Phrases

get over itphrase
stop being upset about something
suck it upphrase
endure a difficult situation without complaining

💡Pro Tip

Tone Matters

This phrase can sound dismissive or rude if used in a harsh tone. Use it carefully in conversations.

⚡Gold Rule

Context is Key

Use this phrase when someone is complaining about a situation they can't change, not to dismiss their feelings entirely.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'deal' meaning to handle or manage, combined with the preposition 'with' and the pronoun 'it' to refer to a specific situation.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express frustration or to encourage someone to accept a situation. It can sound harsh if used inappropriately.

Word Breakdown

deal
to handle or manage
verb
+
with
in relation to
preposition
+
it
the specific situation being referred to
pronoun
English Dictionary