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times of need

times of need

22 3.2
Periods when people are in trouble and others must help them
  • noun
: momentos de necesidad
  • Many organizations provide food and shelter to those in times of need.
  • support in times of need
  • ministers in times of need

Well, think about what people have turned to in this time of need.

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Examples

  • I just want to thank our dear host for his hospitality -in our time of need.

  • In this time of need... you are... not alone.

  • Where are you in my time of need?

  • l seek your help in this time of need.

  • And we, if possible, can step in to... help her in times of need.

  • If there is anything I can offer... to help you in your time of need, just let me know.

  • Never forget that I am here for you in your time of need.

    Blog text (30)
  • His desire is that we would turn to one another during our time of need.

    Blog text (28)
  • Thank goodness your friend was there to help you two in your time of need.

    Blog text (27)
  • It helped me in my time of need.

Synonyms

need
vstimes of need
564 2.1

A situation when people lack basic things such as food or shelter

covers periods requiring help or support beyond poverty alone
hard time
vstimes of need
382 2.9

A period when someone has difficulty or trouble

focuses on periods when people require outside help or support
difficult time
vstimes of need
134 3.1

A period when someone faces problems or a lot of stress

covers periods where people require help rather than only personal strain
hard times
vstimes of need
104 3.1

A period when people have many problems with money or daily life

is about periods when people require outside help or support

How Serious

crisis
∞ 3.1
emergency
∞ 1.3
times of need
22 3.2
problem
∞ 1.2
negligible
31 5.6

Surface Forms

time of need singular
times of need plural

Morphology

times + of + need

The meaning 'periods when assistance is required' is directly and transparently derived from 'times' (periods) + 'of' (linking) + 'need' (requirement). This simple compositional pattern is common across languages and standard English usage (e.g., 'in times of need'), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Times of need paints a simple picture: certain times when people are in need and must get help. So it is used to mean 'periods when help or support is required'.