how-do-you-do

• Nom désignant une situation délicate ou embarrassante, ainsi qu'une salutation formelle.

A noun referring to an awkward or embarrassing situation, or a formal expression of greeting.

1. An awkward situationC1informalbritish

   A problematic or embarrassing state of affairs.

   situation embarrassante

   • Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do; we've locked ourselves out of the car.
   • It was a real how-do-you-do when both guests arrived wearing the same dress.
   • The whole affair turned into a terrible how-do-you-do.

   Synonymesbinddifficultydilemmafixholejammesspickleplightpredicamentquandaryscrapespottrouble

2. A formal greetingB2formalbritish

   A conventional phrase used when meeting someone for the first time, often considered old-fashioned.

   Formule de politesse pour une première rencontre

   • He tipped his hat and said, 'How do you do?'
   • Upon being introduced, she replied with a polite 'How do you do?'
   • The formal how-do-you-do was exchanged before the business meeting began.

   Synonymesgood daygreetinghellosalutationsalutewelcome