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# needs some tlc

phrase (verb phrase: needs some TLC, need some TLC); TLC is an abbreviation for «tender loving care»

«needs some tlc» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday) is in bad condition and needs a lot of repair or cleaning (of a house, car or object).
2. (literal, everyday) needs kindness, rest and gentle care (of a person, pet or plant).

### In the lessons

Estate agents and sellers use it in adverts to make a run-down house or old car sound charming and cheap instead of broken; friends use it kindly about a sick or sad person. Everyday and advertising register; all English-speaking countries, especially UK, USA and Australia.

### Examples

- Charming cottage, needs some TLC.
- «Needs some TLC» in the advert meant the roof leaked and the kitchen was falling apart.
- This old bike just needs some TLC and it'll be good as new.
- Grandma's had the flu, she needs some TLC.
- The poor plant needs some TLC — water it and put it in the sun.
- That car needs more than some TLC, mate, it needs a new engine.
- After the long match, the team's sore legs needed some TLC.

### Note

In an advert it is a warning: expect big repairs and costs. Do not read it as «a little care»; it can mean a lot of work. TLC is said letter by letter (tee-ell-see) and written in capitals. It sounds funny when the thing is completely ruined. Plain words: run-down, broken, in poor repair.