Where "Strife" Comes From
While 'strife' is an ancient English noun for conflict, Australian colloquial speech preserved and narrowed it into the universal idiom 'in strife' — meaning to be in big trouble.
It appears in dry understatement, from being 'in a bit of strife' with the law to having a car engine seize up in the bush.
Source:
“No strife, I'll pick you up at seven.”
“If the neighbours find out we've been using their hose, we'll be in strife.”
"You'll be in serious strife with the boss if that report isn't submitted by lunchtime."
How Aussies Actually Use It
Almost always used in the phrase 'in strife'.
Strife is a dry, understated word. Australians often use it to make a problem sound smaller than it is, or to say that something will be fine: "no strife" is a relaxed way of saying it is not a problem. On the other side, "in strife" is a real warning that someone is about to get told off or is in trouble of some kind.
You will hear it in a few common forms: "in strife", "in a bit of strife", "no strife" and sometimes "any strife?" It works as a small, friendly reassurance when someone asks for a favour. Learners should note that on its own it is not really an everyday noun in casual talk, so "I have a strife" sounds odd. Keep to the set phrases. It is friendly and informal, and is fine among friends or workmates.
See also: No worries (similar reassuring reply), No Dramas (near-synonym for no problem), Not a Drama (near-synonym for no problem).
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