A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase be troubled—
1
. be put to the inconvenience of doing
smth.: Mineralogists have often been troubled to distinguish
with certainty between apatite and nephelin. 2. be anxious or
concerned: The King was troubled, lest this eloquent man
should shake his resolution.
have trouble— experience serious problems: The telegraph
lines began to have trouble, and for a while the experts couldn’t
figure out what was the matter.
be in trouble with someone • have trouble with
someone
be in trouble with someone —suffer unhappiness or have
problems because of smb.: He has been in trouble with the
police arising out of his activities with the British Israelites.
have trouble with someone —
1
. have problems with smb. be-
cause of this person’s behavior: The Post Office is having much
trouble with people who underpay their letters. 2. = be in
trouble with someone: This wasn’t the first time that my family
have had trouble with the police.
be in waiting • lie in wait
be in waiting —
1
. be in attendance on a person of rank: Es-
mond’s friend, Dick Steele, who was in waiting on the Prince,
heard the controversy between the ladies at court. 2. be ready
for service: Dr Sinclair, who was in waiting, had the man
carefully examined, and it is wonderful to say no bones were
broken.
lie in wait—remain hidden while preparing to attack: Police
yesterday fired tear gas into a car to immobilize a couple alleged
to be lying in wait to rob a cash-filled armoured van.
be in want • be wanting
be in want—be destitute; live in poverty: Many people are
now out of work and in want.
be wanting —be deficient or inadequate: Nothing will be
wanting to render your stay agreeable.