- An expression of frustration, weariness, or resignation upon recognizing the start of a familiar and typically unpleasant or annoying situation repeating itself.
Explanation
Origin
- Literal meaning: We are commencing this process/event once more.
- The idiom emphasizes the tiresome repetition of something unwelcome.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Aw shit, here we go again. (Vulgar, meme reference GTA: San Andreas)
- Round [Number]. (e.g., Round three of this argument.)
- More of the same.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not this shit again.
Milder:
- Oh dear, are we back to this?
- It seems this issue has resurfaced.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Expresses negativity and weariness. Generally acceptable among peers or in informal situations.
- Avoid saying it directly *to* a person causing the annoyance unless you intend to be confrontational or are very familiar with them.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward, but learners should grasp the inherent negative feeling (frustration, tiredness) associated with the repetition.
Examples
- (Seeing your kids start to bicker over the same toy) *Sigh*. Here we go again.
- (When the internet connection drops during an important call, as it often does) Here we go again.
- (Hearing a politician make the same excuse) Here we go again.
Dialogue
Context
(Car engine sputters and dies)
Driver 1: Oh, you have got to be kidding me.
Driver 2: What happened?
Driver 1: It stalled. Just like last week. Here we go again.
Driver 2: Maybe it's the fuel pump this time?
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Another software update that breaks more than it fixes. Here we go again. #techprobs
- Facebook status: Neighbor starting their loud party music at 2 AM... here we go again. 😩
- Comment on recurring news: Politicians arguing about the same issue with no progress? Here we go again.
Response Patterns
- Yep. / I know. (Shared weariness)
- What now? (If the trigger isn't obvious)
- Tell me about it.
- A sympathetic groan or sigh.
- Sometimes ignored if said quietly or under the breath.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Here we go again:
- If the context isn't shared, someone might ask for clarification (What's up?).
- Often met with commiseration (Ugh, not this again!).
The speaker might:
- Briefly state the recurring problem (The printer's jammed... again).
Conversation Starter
- No. A reaction to an unfolding recurring event.
Intonation
- Often accompanied by a sigh, eye-roll, or tone of fatigue/exasperation.
- Emphasis can be on Here or again. HERE we go again or Here we go a-GAIN. Usually falling intonation.
Generation Differences
- Very common and understood across all age groups.
Regional Variations
- Widely used and understood in all major English-speaking regions.