bother

Universal Words verb, noun, exclamation verb 1 (often used in negative sentences and questions) ~ (with / about sth) to spend time and/or energy doing sth: [V] He doesn't bother much about his appearance. * 'Shall I wait?' 'No, don't bother'. * It's not worth bothering with (= using) an umbrella-the car's just outside. * I don't know why I bother! Nobody ever listens! * If that's all the thanks I get, I won't bother in future! * I don't know why you bother with that crowd (= why you spend time with them). * [Vtoinf] He didn't even bother to let me know he was coming. * [V-ing] Why bother asking if you're not really interested? 2 ~ sb (about / with sth) to annoy, worry or upset sb; to cause sb trouble or pain: [VN] The thing that bothers me is... * You don't sound too bothered about it. * I don't want to bother her with my problems at the moment. * That sprained ankle is still bothering her (= hurting). * 'I'm sorry he was so rude to you.' 'It doesn't bother me.' * [VNthat] Does it bother you that she earns more than you? * [VNtoinf] It bothers me to think of her alone in that big house. 3 [VN] to interrupt sb; to talk to sb when they do not want to talk to you: Stop bothering me when I'm working. * Let me know if he bothers you again. * Sorry to bother you, but there's a call for you on line two. IDIOMS be bothered (about sb/sth) (especially BrE) to think that sb/sth is important: I'm not bothered about what he thinks. * 'Where shall we eat?' 'I'm not bothered.' (= I don't mind where we go). can't be bothered (to do sth) used to say that you do not want to spend time and/or energy doing sth: I should really do some work this weekend but I can't be bothered. * All this has happened because you couldn't be bothered to give me the message. not bother yourself / your head with / about sth (especially BrE) to not spend time/effort on sth, because it is not important or you are not interested in it moreatHOTadj. noun 1 [U] trouble or difficulty: You seem to have got yourself into a spot of bother. * I don't want to put you to any bother (= cause you any trouble). * Don't go to the bother of tidying up on my account (= don't make the effort to do it). * 'Thanks for your help!' 'It was no bother.' * Call them and save yourself the bother of going round. * I don't mind looking after the children; they aren't any bother. * She's been having a bit of bother with her car. 2 (a bother) [sing.] (BrE) an annoying situation, thing or person SYNNUISANCE: I hope I haven't been a bother. exclamation (BrE) used to express the fact that you are annoyed about sth/sb: Bother! I've left my wallet at home. * Oh, bother him! He's never around when you need him.