- A phrase used, often with ironic understatement or humor, to announce that a significant problem or complication has arisen.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on communications during the Apollo 13 space mission in 1970 after an oxygen tank exploded.
- The actual transmission was closer to Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here (Jack Swigert) and Uh, Houston, we've had a problem (Jim Lovell).
- The slightly altered phrase Houston, we have a problem was popularized by the 1995 film Apollo 13.
- It's now used colloquially to signal any kind of trouble, big or small, often mimicking the calm tone used by the astronauts under pressure.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Uh oh, spaghetti-o's! (Playful, somewhat dated)
- We're in trouble. / We got issues.
- This ain't good.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- We're screwed. / We're fucked.
- The shit hit the fan. (Indicates a crisis has erupted)
More Formal:
- We seem to have encountered a significant obstacle.
- A critical issue requires our attention.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very versatile. Can be used informally (often humorously for minor issues) up to semi-formal settings (announcing work problems).
- The understated tone might be inappropriate in immediately life-threatening situations where urgency needs to be conveyed more directly, unless that calm-under-pressure tone is specifically intended.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- People unfamiliar with the Apollo 13 context will miss the cultural reference and the nuance of calm crisis reporting, but the core meaning (We have a problem) is usually clear.
Examples
- (Looking at a complex instruction manual) Okay... Houston, we have a problem. I don't understand step one.
- (Project manager finding a major bug) Team, gather round. Houston, we have a problem with the latest build.
- (Realizing you forgot your wallet) Uh oh. Houston, we have a problem.
Dialogue
Chef A: Is the sauce ready for the main course?
Chef B: (Tasting the sauce with a grimace) Uh oh. Houston, we have a problem. I think I added salt instead of sugar.
Chef A: What?! Let me taste... Oh dear. We'll have to remake it, quickly!
Social Media Examples
- Post with a picture of a flat tire: Road trip day 1... and Houston, we have a problem. 😩 #roadtripfail #flattire
- Developer tweet: Trying to deploy the new feature and... Houston, we have a problem. Looks like a long night ahead. #coding #developerlife
- DIY fail post: Attempted to assemble IKEA furniture. Houston, we have a problem. Send help (and maybe an Allen key). 😂 #DIYfail #IKEA
Response Patterns
- Inquiry: What's wrong? / What is it? / Oh no, what happened?
- Acknowledgment: Uh oh. / Okay... / Right, let's deal with it.
- Playful (if context allows): Roger that. What's the situation?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After hearing it: Listeners immediately focus, expect an explanation of the problem, and prepare to help solve it. Usually ask, What is it?.
- After saying it: The speaker almost always follows up immediately by explaining the specific problem (The server just crashed.).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's an announcement of a problem that has just emerged.
Intonation
- Often delivered calmly, sometimes deadpan or with dry humor, even if the problem is significant. Mimics the astronauts' professionalism.
- Emphasis on Houston and problem.
- HOUSTON, we have a PROBLEM.
Generation Differences
- Widely known across generations, thanks to both the historical event and the popular film.
Regional Variations
- Originated in the US (NASA's Mission Control is in Houston) but globally recognized due to the film and the history.