manage

verb

1 DO STH DIFFICULT (I, T) to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very hard: manage to do sth: Jenny managed to pass her driving test on the fifth attempt. | How do you manage to stay so slim? | We eventually managed to track down the elusive Ms Lewis. | manage sth: He tried to walk, but managed only a few shaky steps. | manage it: I said we'd be there by seven, do you think we'll manage it?

2 DEAL WITH PROBLEMS (I) especially spoken to succeed in dealing with problems, living in a difficult situation etc: Frankly, I don't know how single parents manage.

(+ without): How on earth do you manage without a washing machine? | manage with (=use something even though it is not the best or most suitable thing): I can't afford to get you a new coat - you'll have to manage with the one you've got.

3 LIVE WITHOUT MUCH MONEY (I) to succeed in buying the things you need to live even though you do not have very much money: I honestly don't know how we'll manage now Keith's lost his job

(+ on): People like Jim have to manage on as little as $75 a week.

4 NOT NEED HELP (I, T) especially spoken to be able to do something or carry something without help: "Do you want a hand with those bags?" "No, it's OK, I can manage." | manage sth: You'll never manage that heavy suitcase; let me take it.

5 CAUSE PROBLEMS (T) especially spoken used jokingly to mean to do something that causes problems: manage to do sth: The kids had managed to spill paint all over the carpet. | I don't know how I managed to arrive so late.

6 BUSINESS (T) to direct or control a business and the people who work in it; to be the manager of: Managing four restaurants is extremely hard work. | He used to manage a famous rock band. | The company had been very badly managed.

7 TIME/MONEY (T) to use your time or money effectively, without wasting them: Helena's never been very good at managing her money.

8 KEEP TIDY (T) to succeed in keeping something neat and tidy: He'll never manage such a big garden on his own. | Silkesse conditioner makes hair easier to manage.

9 CONTROL (T) to control the behaviour of a person or animal, so that they do what you want: Audrey has the knack for managing difficult children.

10 BE STRONG ENOUGH (T) to be able to do something because you are strong enough or healthy enough: Grandad can't manage the stairs any more. | I can only manage three sit-ups.

11 EAT/DRINK (T) to be able to eat or drink something: I think I could manage another glass of wine.

12 manage a smile/a few words etc to make yourself say or do something when you do not really want to: Tina managed a reluctant smile for the camera.

13 HAVE TIME FOR manage Wednesday/7:30/ lunch etc to agree to meet someone or do something with them, even though you are busy: We should meet soon, can you manage Wednesday evening?