now what
The phrase "now what" is commonly used to seek guidance or express frustration, often after an unexpected event.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1General
(informal)A question asking for guidance or what the next step should be.
Example
- The plan failed. Now what?
- We missed the bus. Now what?
B1Emotional Response
(informal, frustration)An expression of frustration or confusion about what to do next.
Example
- The printer stopped working. Now what?
- Another problem? Now what?
B2Conversational
(informal, boredom)A phrase indicating a pause in conversation, often due to lack of topics.
Example
- We've talked about everything. Now what?
- So, now what? Any ideas?
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "now what":