help matters

idiom

: to make a situation better

—usually used in negative statements

It didn't exactly help matters when he accused her of lying!

Examples of help matters in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

An unrestrained performance from Kevin Spacey doesn’t help matters, though the film’s more misfire than disaster. —

Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 If China is not the primary cause of U.S. economic decline, then punishing China will not help matters. —

Zachary Karabell, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2014 And the title probably didn’t help matters, when something like Joker: Mad Love might’ve been easier to remember for average audiences who mostly remain passively aware of films and titles, enhancing the value of being memorable catchy. —

Mark Hughes, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 Grimes, a capable defender, airing his grievances with his role offensively didn’t help matters, either. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for help matters