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3. what with

what with

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what with something

because of something. What with the children being at home and my parents coming to stay, I have too much to do. The Smiths find it difficult to manage financially, what with Mr. Smith losing his job and Mrs. Smith being too ill to work.

what with

Taking into consideration, because of, as in What with all you have to carry, we should take a taxi. This usage replaced the earlier what for. [c. 1600]

what with

Taking into consideration; because of: It's strange we can't find a cab, what with so many hotels nearby.