English

Phrase

therein lies the rub

1. That is where the problem is.

   I tried to back up my database to a USB flash drive - but therein lies the rub - it isn't big enough.

   • 1594, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

     "Devoutly to be wish'd.

     To die, to sleep;

     To sleep: perchance to dream

     ay, there's the rub

     For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

     When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

     Must give us pause: there's the respect

     That makes calamity of so long life;