contend with (someone or something)

contend with (someone or something)

1. To compete against someone. Andy hasn't trained enough to contend with other swimmers his age. If you push him to enter this race, he'll just end up disappointed.
2. To struggle against or work to solve a problem or issue. I'm not ready to contend with that problem just yet—I need coffee first. How can we contend with these huge financial losses and still stay in business?
See also: contend
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

contend with someone (for something)

 and contend (with someone) for something
to fight someone for something; to compete with someone to win something. I don't want to have to contend with Sally for the award. I don't want to have to contend for the job with Ed.
See also: contend

contend with a problem

to put up with a difficulty; to struggle with the problems caused by someone or something. I cannot contend with your temper anymore. I wish we did not have to contend with this changeable weather.
See also: contend, problem
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • contend with
  • contend with a problem
  • contend for (something)
  • contend
  • contend against
  • contend against (someone or something)
  • contend with (someone or something) for (something)
  • fight against
  • fight against (someone or something)
  • try a fall with