Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - manage

~ v 1 »DO STH DIFFICULT« to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very hard  (manage to do sth)  (Jenny managed to pass her driving test on the fifth attempt. | How do you manage to stay so slim? | We eventually managed to track down the elusive Ms Lewis. | manage sth)  (He tried to walk, but managed only a few shaky steps. | manage it)  (I said we'd be there by seven, do you think we'll manage it?) 2 »DEAL WITH PROBLEMS« especially spoken to succeed in dealing with problems, living in a difficult situation etc  (Frankly, I don't know how single parents manage.) + withou  (How on earth do you manage without a washing machine? | manage with (=use something even though it is not the best or most suitable thing))  (I can't afford to get you a new coat - you'll have to manage with the one you've got.) 3 »LIVE WITHOUT MUCH MONEY« to succeed in buying the things you need to live even though you do not have very much money  (I honestly don't know how we'll manage now Keith's lost his job) + on  (People like Jim have to manage on as little as $75 a week.) 4 »NOT NEED HELP« especially spoken to be able to do something or carry something without help  ("Do you want a hand with those bags?" "No, it's OK, I can manage." | manage sth)  (You'll never manage that heavy suitcase; let me take it.) 5 »CAUSE PROBLEMS« especially spoken used jokingly to mean to do something that causes problems  (manage to do sth)  (The kids had managed to spill paint all over the carpet. | I don't know how I managed to arrive so late.) 6 »BUSINESS« to direct or control a business and the people who work in it; to be the manager of  (Managing four restaurants is extremely hard work. | He used to manage a famous rock band. | The company had been very badly managed.) 7 »TIME/MONEY« to use your time or money effectively, without wasting them  (Helena's never been very good at managing her money.) 8 »KEEP TIDY« to succeed in keeping something neat and tidy  (He'll never manage such a big garden on his own. | Silkesse conditioner makes hair easier to manage.) 9 »CONTROL« to control the behaviour of a person or animal, so that they do what you want  (Audrey has the knack for managing difficult children.) 10 »BE STRONG ENOUGH« to be able to do something because you are strong enough or healthy enough  (Grandad can't manage the stairs any more. | I can only manage three sit-ups.) 11 »EAT/DRINK« to be able to eat or drink something  (I think I could manage another glass of wine.) 12 manage a smile/a few words etc to make yourself say or do something when you do not really want to  (Tina managed a reluctant smile for the camera.) 13 »HAVE TIME FOR« manage Wednesday/7:30/ lunch etc to agree to meet someone or do something with them, even though you are busy  (We should meet soon, can you manage Wednesday evening?)