When a small problem gets much bigger
큰 싸움으로 번지다
[To escalate into a big fight.]
Real Pattern
This phrase describes a situation, like a small disagreement or misunderstanding, that unexpectedly blows up into a much larger, more serious conflict. The verb 번지다 literally means "to spread," like fire or a stain, capturing the feeling of things getting out of control.
Pattern Application
작은 말다툼이 큰 싸움으로 번졌어요. — A small argument escalated into a big fight.
그 문제가 정치적인 싸움으로 번질까 봐 걱정돼요. — I'm worried that issue will blow up into a political fight.
Tip
You can use ~으로 번지다 for other negative situations that spread, not just fights, like a rumor (소문으로 번지다) or a fire (큰불로 번지다).
큰 싸움으로 번지다
When something keeps bothering you
마음에 걸리다
[For something to weigh on your mind.]
Real Pattern
This expresses a feeling of unease or worry about something. It's like an issue is "stuck" or "hanging" (걸리다) in your mind (마음), and you can't quite shake it off. It's not a huge, active worry, but a persistent, nagging concern.
Pattern Application
아까 했던 실수가 계속 마음에 걸려요. — The mistake I made earlier keeps weighing on my mind.
친구가 한 말이 자꾸 마음에 걸려서 잠을 못 잤어요. — What my friend said kept bothering me, so I couldn't sleep.
Tip
This is a very common and natural way to express that you're concerned about something you (or someone else) did or said. It's softer than saying you are 걱정돼요 (worried).
마음에 걸리다
As if they'd been waiting for it
기다렸다는 듯이
[As if one had been waiting.]
Real Pattern
Use this to describe an action that happens immediately and eagerly, right after a certain trigger. It implies the person was just waiting for the perfect moment to act, almost like they were anticipating it.