what with


what with

Due to; because of; taking (something) into consideration. I'm sorry, but I can't help you move this weekend, what with my bad back and all. What with the IRS audit and pressure from investors, I don't think we're in a position to be moving around funds like that right now.See also: what

what with something

because of something. What with the children being at home and my parents coming to stay, I have too much to do. The Smiths find it difficult to manage financially, what with Mr. Smith losing his job and Mrs. Smith being too ill to work.See also: what

what with

Taking into consideration, because of, as in What with all you have to carry, we should take a taxi. This usage replaced the earlier what for. [c. 1600] See also: what

what with

because of (used typically to introduce several causes of something). 1990 Rosamund Clay Only Angels Forget She's had a difficult life, what with my father skiving off when I was three and leaving her without a penny. See also: what

what with something

(informal) because of something or a series of things: What with the weather and my bad leg, I haven’t been out for weeks. ♢ I haven’t had time to sit down, what with one thing and another.See also: something, what

what with

Taking into consideration; because of: It's strange we can't find a cab, what with so many hotels nearby.See also: what