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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Definition of homework

Examples of homework in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near homework

Cite this entry.

“Homework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homework. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about homework

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Definition of 'homework'

Video: pronunciation of homework

homework in American English

Homework in british english, examples of 'homework' in a sentence homework, related word partners homework, trends of homework.

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• homeward journey
• homework assignment
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Definition of homework noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• I always do my homework on the bus.
• physics/geography/French, etc. homework
• I still haven't done my geography homework.
• How much homework do you get?
• for homework I have to write up the notes for homework.
• (especially North American English) I have to finish this homework assignment .
• acquire/​get/​lack (an) education/​training/ (British English) (some) qualifications
• receive/​provide somebody with training/​tuition
• develop/​design/​plan a curriculum/ (especially British English) course/ (North American English) program/​syllabus
• give/​go to/​attend a class/​lesson/​lecture/​seminar
• hold/​run/​conduct a class/​seminar/​workshop
• sign up for/​take a course/​classes/​lessons
• go to/​start preschool/​kindergarten/​nursery school
• be in (North American English) the first, second, etc. grade/ (British English) year 1, 2. etc. (at school)
• study/​take/​drop history/​chemistry/​German, etc.
• (British English) leave/​finish/​drop out of/ (North American English) quit school
• (North American English) graduate high school/​college
• be the victim/​target of bullying
• (British English) play truant from/ (both British English, informal) bunk off/​skive off school (= not go to school when you should)
• (both especially North American English) skip/​cut class/​school
• (British English) cheat in/ (North American English) cheat on an exam/​a test
• get/​be given a detention (for doing something)
• be expelled from/​be suspended from school
• do your homework/ (British English) revision/​a project on something
• work on/​write/​do/​submit an essay/​a dissertation/​a thesis/​an assignment/ (North American English) a paper
• finish/​complete your dissertation/​thesis/​studies/​coursework
• hand in/ (North American English) turn in your homework/​essay/​assignment/​paper
• study/​prepare/ (British English) revise/ (North American English) review/ (North American English, informal) cram for a test/​an exam
• take/ (both British English) do/​sit a test/​an exam
• (especially British English) mark/ (especially North American English) grade homework/​a test
• (British English) do well in/ (North American English) do well on/ (especially North American English, informal) ace a test/​an exam
• pass/​fail/ (especially North American English, informal) flunk a test/​an exam/​a class/​a course/​a subject
• apply to/​get into/​go to/​start college/ (British English) university
• leave/​graduate from law school/​college/ (British English) university (with a degree in computer science)
• study for/​take/ (British English) do/​complete a law degree/​a degree in physics
• (both North American English) major/​minor in biology/​philosophy
• earn/​receive/​be awarded/​get/​have/​hold a master’s degree/​a bachelor’s degree/​a PhD in economics
• Have you finished your homework?
• Have you done your physics homework yet?
• I was helping my sister with her maths homework.
• The homework assignments are worth 10% of the final grade.
• I have some homework to do on the Civil War.
• I want you to hand in this homework on Friday.
• The science teacher always gives a lot of homework.
• They get a lot of homework in English.
• They get masses of homework at secondary school.
• We had to write out one of the exercises for homework.
• for homework
• homework  on

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The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

British Dictionary definitions for homework

/ ( ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk ) /

school work done out of lessons, esp at home

any preparatory study

work done at home for pay

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with homework

see do one's homework.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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Homework Dream Meaning: Discover What it Really Means

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night in a panic, having just dreamt about unfinished homework? Or perhaps you’ve had a recurring dream where you’re back in school and struggling to complete an assignment? These dreams may seem insignificant, but they could have deeper meanings that are worth exploring.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Significance of Homework Dreams

Just like other dreams, homework dreams can be interpreted in different ways, but they often have a connection to your current emotional and mental state. Dreams about homework can signify a fear of failure or a desire for greater achievement. They may also reveal your need for knowledge and intellectual growth.

Additionally, homework dreams can also represent a sense of responsibility and obligation. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your workload or struggling to meet deadlines, your subconscious mind may manifest these concerns in the form of a homework dream. It is important to pay attention to these dreams and reflect on any underlying issues that may be causing them.

The Symbolism of Homework in Dreams

Homework can be seen as a metaphor for unfinished business in your waking life. It can represent a project that you’ve been putting off, a goal that you’ve been struggling to achieve, or a problem that you’ve been unable to solve. In this context, dreaming about homework can be a sign that you need to take action to complete these tasks and move past the obstacles in your life.

Additionally, the type of homework you dream about can also hold significance. For example, dreaming about math homework may suggest that you need to focus on logical problem-solving skills, while dreaming about English homework may indicate a need to improve communication or writing abilities. Paying attention to the specific subject matter of your homework dreams can provide further insight into areas of your life that may need attention and improvement.

Different Interpretations of Homework Dreams

The interpretation of homework dreams can vary depending on the specific details of the dream. For example, dreaming of missing a deadline for an assignment could indicate a fear of failure or disappointment. Dreaming of acing a difficult homework assignment may represent a sense of accomplishment and success. These details can give insight into your personal thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.

It is also important to consider the context of the dream. If you are currently experiencing stress or anxiety related to school or work, your homework dreams may be a reflection of those feelings. Alternatively, if you have recently completed a challenging assignment or received positive feedback on your work, your homework dreams may be a manifestation of your confidence and satisfaction.

Common Themes in Homework Dreams and Their Interpretations

Themes that commonly occur in homework dreams include forgetting to do the homework, struggling to complete the work, missing the deadline, and feeling embarrassed or ashamed in front of classmates or a teacher. These themes may be interpreted as feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or fear of judgment.

Another common theme in homework dreams is being unprepared for a test or exam. This can be interpreted as a fear of failure or a lack of confidence in one’s abilities. Additionally, dreaming about receiving a bad grade or failing a class may indicate a fear of not meeting expectations or disappointing others.

Unpacking the Hidden Messages in Your Homework Dreams

Homework dreams can reveal hidden messages about your life and inner self. Examining the emotions and details in the dream can help you uncover what underlying issues are causing the dream. Reflection can also help you identify areas of your life where you’re feeling stuck or where you need to make changes.

One common interpretation of homework dreams is that they represent unfinished tasks or responsibilities in your waking life. This could be related to work, school, or personal projects. The dream may be urging you to prioritize these tasks and complete them in order to reduce stress and anxiety.

Another possible interpretation is that homework dreams symbolize a desire for self-improvement and personal growth. The dream may be encouraging you to take on new challenges and learn new skills. Alternatively, it may be highlighting areas where you need to focus more attention and effort in order to achieve your goals.

How Homework Dreams Manifest in Different People

Homework dreams can appear differently depending on the person. For some, it may involve a specific subject or teacher, while for others, it may revolve around the method of completion, such as writing or calculations. Understanding the context and personal meaning of the dream can help you find the source of the dream.

Additionally, the frequency and intensity of homework dreams can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience them frequently, while others may only have them occasionally. The intensity of the dream can also vary, with some individuals having vivid and memorable dreams, while others may have more fleeting and forgettable ones.

Furthermore, homework dreams can also be influenced by external factors such as stress levels, workload, and personal life events. For example, a student who is experiencing a high level of stress due to upcoming exams may have more frequent and intense homework dreams than a student who is not under as much pressure.

Analyzing the Psychological Meaning of Homework Dreams

From a psychological perspective, homework dreams can be viewed as your mind’s way of processing and resolving anxieties and concerns. These dreams can bring attention to issues and emotions that need to be addressed and can provide insight into unresolved conflicts in your life.

Furthermore, the content of the homework in the dream can also provide clues about the specific areas of your life that are causing stress or worry. For example, if you dream about struggling with a math problem, it could indicate a fear of failure or inadequacy in your career or personal life. Alternatively, if you dream about forgetting to do your homework, it could suggest a fear of being unprepared or a lack of organization in your daily routine.

The Spiritual Connotations of Homework Dreams

Homework dreams may also have spiritual connotations. They may represent the lessons and growth that you need to achieve in your present existence. Or they may indicate the need for inner reflection and self-analysis as you work towards enlightenment.

Furthermore, homework dreams can also symbolize the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving spiritual goals. Just as completing homework requires dedication and effort, spiritual growth also requires consistent practice and perseverance.

On the other hand, if you consistently have nightmares about homework, it may be a sign of anxiety or fear related to your spiritual journey. It could be helpful to explore these feelings and seek guidance from a spiritual mentor or therapist.

The Impact of Homework Stress on Your Dream Life

Stress and anxiety related to homework or school can negatively impact your sleep and dream life. If stress and anxiety seem to be the root cause of your homework dreams, consider ways to manage stress and create a healthy work-life balance.

One way to manage stress related to homework is to break down assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your workload. Additionally, taking breaks and engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise or meditation can also help alleviate homework-related stress.

It’s important to remember that homework and schoolwork should not consume your entire life. Make time for hobbies, socializing, and relaxation to ensure a healthy balance. By prioritizing self-care and stress management, you can improve not only your sleep and dream life, but also your overall well-being.

How to Use Your Homework Dreams to Improve Your Life

Using homework dreams to improve your life can involve reflecting on what you’ve learned from the dream, and taking actionable steps to move forward. For example, if you dream of struggling to complete an assignment, this could inspire you to seek extra help and resources to accomplish your goals.

Another way to use your homework dreams to improve your life is to pay attention to any recurring themes or patterns. If you find yourself constantly dreaming about a particular subject or assignment, it could be a sign that you need to focus more on that area of your studies. Additionally, if you dream about a successful completion of a difficult assignment, this can boost your confidence and motivation to tackle real-life challenges.

Exploring the Connection Between Real-Life Homework and Dreamland

The connection between common situations in real life and the dream world is well established. Unfinished homework or negative experiences with homework can be a trigger for homework dreams. Examining how your waking life experiences and situations affect your dream world can provide interesting insights about yourself.

Research has shown that the stress and anxiety caused by unfinished homework or difficult assignments can lead to an increase in dream activity. This is because the brain is still processing the information and trying to find a solution, even while you sleep. Additionally, dreams about homework can also be a reflection of your subconscious desire to succeed and do well in school or work. By paying attention to these dreams and analyzing their meaning, you can gain a better understanding of your own motivations and goals.

What to Do When You Keep Having Disturbing Homework Dreams

Recurring disturbing homework dreams can cause distress and affect your overall well-being. Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or professional to get a different perspective and find support. Tools such as journaling and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety and assist in resolving the underlying issues.

It’s also important to evaluate your study habits and workload. Are you taking on too much? Are you procrastinating and causing unnecessary stress? Consider talking to your teacher or academic advisor for guidance on how to better manage your workload and study habits. Additionally, make sure you are taking care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition. Taking care of yourself can also help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being.

Finding Solutions to Problems Unearthed in Your Homework Dreams

Homework dreams can reveal deeper issues or conflicts that you may be facing. By identifying those conflicts through your dreams, you can begin seeking solutions or ways to work through these issues in your waking life.

It is important to pay attention to the details in your homework dreams, as they may hold clues to the root of the problem. For example, if you dream about being unable to complete a math problem, it may indicate a fear of failure or a lack of confidence in your abilities. By acknowledging and addressing these underlying emotions, you can work towards finding a solution and improving your overall well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help for Recurring Homework Nightmares

If your nightmares are affecting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you manage anxiety and stress and work through deeper issues that may be causing recurring homework dreams.

Homework dreams can reveal deeper meanings, emotions, and thoughts that can aid in our growth and development. They can also provide an opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate our lives. By understanding the significance of homework dreams and analyzing them with detail, we can use them to improve our waking lives and gain deeper insights into ourselves.

It is important to note that recurring homework nightmares may also be a sign of a learning disability or difficulty. Seeking help from a tutor or academic specialist may be necessary to address any underlying academic challenges that may be contributing to the nightmares.

In addition, practicing good sleep hygiene habits such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of homework nightmares.

Aurora Seeress is a renowned clairvoyant and medium who specializes in angel numbers, symbolism, numerology, and crystals. With a deep understanding of the spiritual world, she helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives. Despite skepticism, Aurora remains dedicated to helping people connect with their higher selves and find peace and fulfillment in life.

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Why Homework Is So Important Essay

Education plays an important role in ensuring children are taught career, survival and intellectual skills that will enable them to live comfortably in the future. Learning institutions have been established to ensure everyone goes to school and gets the required knowledge essential for human survival.

These learning institutions have come up with various programs aimed at ensuring that students make good use of their time while attending schools and also when out of classes. Homework and holiday assignments are the most common tasks that students are given when they are not in school to enhance their learning.

However, the debate continues to rage on regarding the importance of homework to students. The discussion below outlines the significance of homework to the development of the learning process of a student. Every human being has a unique ability to grasp various ideas and information depending on their age, exposure to different environments and levels of interests.

This makes it very impossible for every student to grasp all concepts being taught in class by their teachers. Therefore, when students are given homework, they can take time and study the concepts they did not understand during normal class time, and this makes them be at the same level with other students (Bader 12). Homework plays an important role in ensuring that students can learn at the same pace.

The fact that students have different abilities to memorize what they were taught means that their levels of learning differences and when they are given the same homework slow learners can catch up with fast learners, and this ensures they all stand equal chances of competing effectively.

Also, ninety percent of students are in their active stages of life, and therefore they like playing very much. These plays make students forget what they were taught during the day as their minds are occupied with games and other entertainment activities. When these students are given homework, they have limited time to attend to other activities like games and sports.

It is well known that all children and young adults like playing very much and when left idle they can spend the whole day playing at the expense of their education. Homework plays an important role in ensuring they are kept very busy and indulge in games only after they have finished their work.

Furthermore, homework enables students to make their studies and identify areas they did not understand very well. Sometimes students tend to cheat in their examinations and other class assignments by coping from others, and this earns them false grades.

However, when they are given homework they are not able to copy from their friends and in fact, they make all efforts to ensure they put their brains at work to answer all questions assigned (Bader 134). Therefore, teachers can identify areas that their students did not understand well and go over them again by organizing remedial classes.

Students are also able to identify topics that were not understood and seek the necessary assistance from their teachers. Moreover, homework enables students to be busy during their free time and avoid indulging in bad behavior. The fact that an idle mind gives way to irrational thinking should sound an alarm bell to all parents and students who shy away from homework.

When students are kept busy with homework, they will be in a position to avoid indulgence in bad behavior like drug abuse and premarital sex. When students are given homework, they get prepared for future career obligations that involve assignments and duties out of office.

This offers them an opportunity to develop the flexibility to time schedules and roles assigned in the future when they are employed. Also, they will be in a position to schedule their work programs effectively to meet all the demands of their jobs.

Lastly, homework enables students to read widely regarding other topics to be covered by their teachers. Assignments that are designed to give students an insight into their forthcoming topics makes them mentally prepared for other “hard topics,” and this makes them understand the concepts of such topics with ease (Bader 134).

Some homework is meant to break down complicated topics into subtopics that are easily covered and understood by students within the shortest time possible. Therefore, homework enables teachers and students to take the shortest time possible to handle complicated topics.

However, despite the above benefits associated with homework, there are other factors that make them ineffective in performing their intended roles in students’ developments. The first reason that disqualifies the suitability of homework to access student’s intelligence is the fact that in most cases homework assigned to students is not done by them.

Students ask their elder siblings to do their assignments for them as they sit and chat while watching television. When the teachers mark the assignments, they are pleased to note the outstanding performance by their students. However, the same students register low grades when examinations and assignments are done within the school compound.

Therefore, homework does not help teachers in assessing students’ understanding of various concepts. Also, it does not offer reliable criteria to test the students’ ability to remember and present the ideas learned from teachers. Secondly, students are usually very tired after spending the whole day in class and require time to relax and think of other things that may distract their attention from books for a while.

Over concentration on books and academic materials exposes the students to risks like developing obesity due to their inactiveness. It is known the world over that too much work without play or exercise makes an individual very dull and thus ineffective. Most students are usually between the ages of five years and twenty-seven, and they are still growing and developing (Bader 134).

For them to develop their physical fitness, they need time to indulge in sports and games to ensure their bodies get enough exercise. Moreover, the mind needs some time to reflect on other things and enable the brain and the blood vessels to relax as the student reduces pressure from thinking about school assignments and tests.

It is estimated that homework and other assignments are responsible for a huge percentage of causes of stress and depressions in many youths. This is due to the pressure to finish their homework in time and deliver quality results that drive most students to concentrate on them and ignore meals and stay awake the whole night.

Human beings have varying degrees of learning and memorizing, and thus homework helps students to ensure they do not forget what they were taught. It enables students and teachers to identify the study areas that need more attention. However, it should not compromise the students’ time to indulge in other equally beneficial activities like sleeping and exercising.

Works Cited

Bader, John. Dean’s List: Eleven Habits of Highly Successful College Students. Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011. Print.

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Not total but still cool: What Southwest Florida’s eclipse experience will be like

As the nation readies for the solar eclipse April 8, sites in the black-out swath are filling up with sky-gazers eager to see the moon slide between Earth and the sun.

As it does, its shadow will darken what's called the path of totality, a 115-mile-wide slice of the planet that includes Dallas, Cleveland, Indianapolis and San Antonio.

Notably absent: Naples , Cape Coral and Fort Myers .

How dark with Southwest Florida get in the eclipse?

That doesn't mean we won't have an eclipse. "From here, we're going to see about 52% coverage," said Heather Preston, planetarium director at Fort Myers' Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium .

"For us here, it won't be that dramatic," she said. "We won't be able to see the shadow, but with eclipse glasses, we will be able to see that coverage, which initiates around 2:15 (p.m.) and then will be maximum right around 3 o'clock and it's going to lose contact around 4:15."

Even so, she says, if you're paying attention, you'll know something unusual is happening. "There's a weird, sort of unearthly feeling to it once coverage becomes significant. With more than about 20, 30 % coverage, you're really going to notice the change in the light. So even though we won't have total coverage, it'll be noticeable."

Do your observing safely

We're not trying to insult your intelligence by mentioning that you shouldn't ever look directly at the sun, partial eclipse or not' we just want to remind you that safety certified eclipse glasses are widely available and pretty reasonably priced. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, for example, is selling them.

"We bought extra eclipse glasses and they're for sale in the lobby for $2," Preston said. "I want to make sure that nobody damages their eyes."

More: 2024 solar eclipse will be visible in Florida. Here's where to find free glasses

Just be careful with what you buy, cautions Derek Buzasi, Whitaker Eminent Scholar in Florida Gulf Coast University's Department of Chemistry and Physics. "There are glasses floating around that don't meet the standard, and (with) your eyes, you don't get a second chance, so be a little cautious." He points out the American Astronomical Society, the professional organization for astronomers in the U.S., has a list of brands that they know meet the standard "and they're not selling them so it's not a conflict of interest or anything ‒ they just want to make sure people don't hurt themselves."

Solar retinopathy is serious business.

'This kind of magical alignment'

But total or not, the eclipse will still be cool in Southwest Florida. Magical even. Just ask Buzasi, who ought to know. "The fact that we can see such a thing at all is unique in the solar system," he said.

"Eclipses the way we have them on Earth are a really cool thing," he said. "It doesn't occur other places in the solar system (and) are probably pretty rare in the galaxy in general, because the apparent size of the moon in our sky and the apparent size of our sun in our sky are so close to one another, we get this kind of magical alignment along the path of totality where the moon covers the sun almost perfectly.

"We only get this effect for a few minutes when it happens, but it is this kind of magical thing and there's nowhere else in our solar system you can go and see something like this."

If you were on another planet, you might see another celestial body pass in front of the sun, "but not what we see here with this almost perfect alignment," Busazi said. "So it is kind of magical in that sense."

What's an eclipse like?

Preston, who' seen several in person describes them as "really beautiful. But it's also very weird," with odd silvery light. "As the sun's light diminishes in intensity, everything is still very clear, but it's just not as warm."

Even here, "at the time of maximum coverage, if you hold out your arm, you'll realize there's something wrong: It's not as warm as it usually is in full sunlight. And the fine details of everything are visible without the extra glow that direct sunlight usually causes," she said. "This is more like a really clear solar spectrum lamp."

Go ahead and celebrate

"I've been recommending to people who want to mark this occasion with their kids to do a little eclipse party ," Preston said. "Serve tortillas with 52 % of the tortilla have guacamole on it, maybe do cookies with a crescent of 48 coverage of vanilla and 52 of chocolate. There are ways you can make it a memorable little celebration even if you're not driving to the path of totality."

The planetarium will be open for the occasion as well. "We are normally closed on Mondays, but we're opening up the planetarium from 12 to 5. Provided it's sunny, we'll set up the solar telescope outside on the concrete pad and will probably also have a viewing box next to it. Sometimes really little kids have trouble looking through telescopes, but they'll be fine with the viewing box.," she said. "And then in the dome, we'll be running shows about eclipses and NASA live coverage from the path of totality. "

What will I see and when? Search by ZIP code for details on the solar eclipse in Southwest Florida

Astronomy in real time

"From a big ‒ really big ‒ picture perspective, it's gratifying to see humans noticing the workings of the solar system," said Busazi.

"It's nice to see people go outside and look at the natural world, and around here that's often plants and animals and water, but we shouldn't forget the big-scale stuff too," he said.

"Just to be able to look up and see this happening is kind of astronomy in real time, and that's got value."

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Definition of homework – Learner’s Dictionary

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• Go upstairs and do your homework.
• For your homework, please do exercise 3 on page 24.
• When I finish my homework, can I watch TV?
• Get on with your homework.
• She was trying to duck out of doing her homework.

(Definition of homework from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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Hippocratic oath

a promise made by people when they become doctors to do everything possible to help their patients and to have high moral standards in their work

Sitting on the fence (Newspaper idioms)

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Visa, Mastercard agree to $30B deal with merchants. What it means for credit card holders.

Visa and Mastercard earlier this week agreed to a settlement with U.S. merchants, promising to lower the fees stores have to pay to process credit card payments ‒ at least in the near term.

The settlement opens doors for retailers to place surcharges on cards with higher swipe fees, which could make using a premium card with a hefty rewards program more expensive. Some have speculated that the changes could affect credit card rewards, or perhaps allow merchants to pass down savings to customers.

But other experts are skeptical that this could lead to any significant changes for credit card users. 

The settlement doesn’t appear to have “any bearing on the credit card holder,” said Michael Kinsman , an emeritus professor of finance and accounting at Pepperdine University in California who operates a CPA firm in Laguna Beach. 

What did the settlement say?

Visa and Mastercard denied wrongdoing but agreed to a number of changes in the near term as part of the settlement. Among them:

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

• The companies will lower interchange rates – the fee merchants have to pay to process a credit card payment, also referred to as “swipe rates” – by at least 4 basis points (0.04 percentage points) for three years. 
• Swipe rates must be at least 7 basis points below the current average for the next five years. 
• Merchants will be able to more easily steer customers to other payment methods, and can impose surcharges on premium credit cards with higher swipe fees.  

The settlement is still subject to court approval, and any changes would not go into effect until late 2024 or 2025, according to a statement from Mastercard.

What does this mean for credit card holders?

Patrick Payne , an associate professor of practice in personal and family financial planning at the University of Arizona in Tucson, doesn’t expect “dramatic changes” from the settlement but believes it could lead to more expensive premium cards.

The cards are already pricey; Chase Sapphire Reserve , for instance, has a $550 annual fee in exchange for perks like access to airport lounge membership and a $300 annual travel credit. The annual fee for the Platinum Card from American Express is nearly $700. 

Premium cards are more costly for merchants, too. The National Retail Federation says swipe fees average about 2% per transaction but can be as high as 4% for premium rewards cards. 

If this settlement is approved, merchants would have the ability to charge customers more for using premium Visa and Mastercard credit cards. 

But it’s not clear stores would want to charge these customers more, according to Lulu Wang , an assistant professor of finance at the Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Illinois. Making certain customers ‒ especially high-paying customers ‒ pay an extra surcharge threatens to sour relationships and hurt business.

“People talk about some changes it can make for merchants, but those changes seem like such a giant pain … to implement,” he said. 

“If they tried to do that, the customer relations would be just bloody awful. They'd have egg all over their face,” Kinsman added. 

Credit card debt: Americans have more credit card debt than savings again in 2024. How much do they owe?

Will merchants pass down their savings to consumers?

Retailers that accept Visa and Mastercard are expected to save at least $29.79 billion in the five years following the settlement, according to a statement by one of the law firms representing U.S. merchants in the lawsuit. 

In theory, merchants could pass down some of those savings to customers by lowering prices. This could be especially prevalent in smaller businesses, according to Payne from the University of Arizona.

“They might be able to offer more competitive prices to draw people from the big retailers,” he said.  

But other experts say consumers shouldn’t get their hopes up. 

“Most people aren't going to know about (the settlement) anyway,” said Kinsman, the emeritus professor at Pepperdine University. “So why would I, as a merchant, pass those costs back to my customers?”

What will Visa and Mastercard do?

Beverly Harzog , author of “The Debt Escape Plan: How to Free Yourself from Credit Card Balances, Boost Your Credit Score, and Live Debt-Free," said she doesn't expect many changes among credit card issuers after the settlement, in part because the changes aren't a "permanent fix." The three- and five-year time spans give the companies little time to make significant changes, she said.

"It's like trying to turn a giant cruise liner," she said. "It takes a lot of time, and sometimes, by the time they're ready to make that turn, the market has changed again.”

Her caveat? If one credit card issuer does decide to make a change after the settlement – whether that’s raising an annual fee or pushing back on certain benefits or perks – others will likely follow.

“I would watch for that first domino,” Harzog said. “And right now, I'm not expecting that, just because this (settlement) hasn't been finalized. Even if it is, it's a temporary solution and things go back to normal within a couple of years.”

Visa plans to maintain its "rewards and access to credit" if the settlement is approved, according to a statement quoting Kim Lawrence, the company's president of North America, that was released earlier this week . Spokespeople for Visa and Mastercard did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent after normal business hours on Friday.

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Trump's bond is now $175 million in fraud case. Here's what the New York attorney general could do if he doesn't pay.

By Katrina Kaufman , Graham Kates

Updated on: March 25, 2024 / 7:46 PM EDT / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump and other defendants in his fraud case won an appeal Monday to have their bond reduced , requiring them now to put up $175 million within 10 days to pause enforcement of a $464 million judgment against them . If Trump fails to post bond, it could leave some of his prized real estate and other assets vulnerable to seizure by the state.

The bond was lowered from $464 million on the day that a 30-day grace period for payment expired. New York Attorney General Letitia James had indicated her office would pursue Trump's assets if he failed to post bond.

"If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets," she said during a February interview with ABC News.

Attorneys for Trump wrote in a March 18 filing in the case that it was a "practical impossibility" for the defendants to secure such a large bond. 

"Very few bonding companies will consider a bond of anything approaching that magnitude," wrote the lawyers, Alina Habba, Clifford Robert, Christopher Kise and John Sauer. They noted that surety providers often require collateral up to 120% to guarantee the bond, driving the amount Trump might need over $500 million.

Trump claimed to have nearly $500 million in cash in a Truth Social post on March 22. In depositions and testimony in 2023,  he claimed to have between $300 and $400 million.

JD Weisbrot, managing director of the surety operation at Risk Strategies, said Trump's options for amassing the full $464 million were "frankly very limited."

"The issue is that this type of bond is very hazardous in nature to a surety company. And why is that? It's a demand instrument, the bond guarantees that in the event that the defendant loses the appeal, that the sum be immediately made available to the plaintiff," Weisbrot said.

As a result, Weisbrot said surety companies want liquid assets as collateral, specifically cash or a letter of credit, and not hard assets like real estate.

The judgment stems from a civil case in which a judge found Trump and others connected to his company liable for a decade-long scheme to use falsified real estate and net worth valuations to obtain favorable loan and insurance rates. The judge concluded Trump and others gained more than $364 million through the scheme.

Bruce Lederman, an attorney who specializes in real estate law  for the New York firm DL Partners, said James' office has a range of options to choose from in its effort to enforce the judgment if Trump fails to post bond.

Once the deadline passes, "the attorney general can start enforcement proceedings, which could include sending restraining notices, could include sending executions to the sheriff for real property, could include tying up security accounts, could include sending notices to companies that they can't make any payments to Donald Trump personally, or any of the children, the boys, against whom judgments are entered," said Lederman, referring to Trump's adult sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr.

To execute on Trump's real property, James could get judicial liens against the properties.  In New York, the process to sell a property takes 63 days. The sheriff's office must publicly post notice of sale in three places in the town or city where the property is located, and the notice must be published four times throughout that period. After 63 days, there is a sheriff's sale, typically on the courthouse steps. 

However, untangling the web of ownership of some of Trump's properties may be challenging. In the event of sale, there are also loans and mortgages that could impact how much the state can even collect - not to mention the disputed valuation of Trump's properties, an issue that was at the heart of the civil fraud trial.

For properties located outside of Manhattan, James has to enter the judgment with local jurisdictions — even those as near as suburban Westchester County, New York, where her office registered the judgment on March 6. 

"The New York judgment can be filed in any state and is then entitled to full faith and credit under the Constitution," said Lederman, who noted that Trump's Mar-a-Lago club might be more complicated to seize than other properties. "Enforcement rights in other states would be based upon the law of the state where property is located. For example, Florida does not allow a sale of a primary residence." 

Adam Pollock,  a former New York assistant attorney general, said a restraining notice would limit Trump's ability to spend freely.

"A restraining notice … says, 'Don't spend money, don't transfer any property, until you pay us.' And for good reason. You shouldn't be out, you know, fueling up your jets with $20,000 of gas, when you owe the people in the state of New York nearly $500 million," said Pollock.

Pollock said James' office could get a bank execution and give it to a New York sheriff or marshal, who can then walk into a bank branch and drain Trump's account. A bank normally has to wait at least 27 days to turn over the money in an account — unless the plaintiff is the state of New York, in which case, the bank is supposed to transfer the funds immediately.

James can also sign an execution forcing Trump to turn over his personal property.

"If I have a judgment against you, I get to take any property I can find of yours. Whether it's your Rembrandt, your Rolls Royce, or your iPad, or like your 500 LLCs that you happen to own," said Pollock.

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, could ultimately end up among the one in 100 Americans whose pay is withheld so creditors can collect.

Adam Kaufmann, an attorney at Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss, said the state could garnish Trump's income and revenues from the Mar-a-Lago Club, for example.

"You could have a president of the United States having his wages garnished by a creditor," Kaufmann said.

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‘3 body problem’ ending explained — all your questions answered.

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3 Body Problem. (L to R) Jess Hong as Jin Cheng, Jovan Adepo as Saul Durand in episode 108 of 3 Body ... [+] Problem. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2024

All eight episodes of Netflix’s sci-fi hit 3 Body Problem , including the Season 1 finale “Wallfacer,” are streaming on Netflix. Read on to explore the anticipated ending of 3 Body Problem , including what happens to Saul, the outcome of The Staircase Project, and more.

Released on March 21, 3 Body Problem is currently Netflix’s No. 1 series in the U.S. From Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and True Blood writer Alexander Woo, the adaptation is based on Liu Cixin’s popular Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy and primarily focuses on the first book of the same name.

The mind-bending show starts during China’s Cultural Revolution in the 1960s before taking viewers across different continents and timelines, eventually settling on a group of scientists present day. Known as the Oxford Five, these brilliant minds must come together to stop the greatest threat to humanity: an Alien invasion.

3 Body Problem Ending Explained

If you’ve made it to the final episode of the science-heavy series, you likely have questions about the conclusion, from why Saul was chosen to be a Wallfacer, what happens to Will's brain and the meaning behind those bugs. (Warning: Spoilers ahead for 3 Body Problem on Netflix.)

Who Is Trying To Kill Saul in 3 Body Problem ?

3 Body Problem. Jovan Adepo as Saul Durand in episode 102 of 3 Body Problem. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © ... [+] 2024

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At the start of Episode 8, Saul almost dies in a car accident that kills his one-night stand, Nora. Clarence “Da” Shi brings Saul in for questioning (he was the last person to talk to Ye Wenjie, who was killed in China with another officer). Da Shi tells him that the self-driving cars involved in the accident were hacked and were trying to kill him. At the time, who is behind the attack on Saul was unknown, including whether the San-Ti were involved.

Saul is whisked away in a private jet with a military escort to the United Nations headquarters in New York City. They walk into a Planetary Defense Council meeting led by Secretary General Lilian Joseph, who talks about how sophons (the tiny spy machines designed by the San-Ti) seem to know everything, but can’t read minds.

“We are at war. The battle might be centuries away, but the enemy has declared war upon us and we must defend ourselves,” the Secretary General says. The Sophons can see whatever they want, “every meeting, every conversation, the memory of every computer,” she continues. “The Sophons have vast power, but they are not all-powerful. They cannot read our minds.”

What Is The Wallfacer Project in 3 Body Problem ?

Secretary General Lilian Joseph (CCH Pounder) announces the Wallfacer project, a group of people who “will formulate and direct strategic plans to fight the San-Ti but will not share anything with anyone until the time is right to carry them out,” according to Netflix. Derived from the ancient Eastern name for mediators, the Wallfacers consist of three individuals who will be granted the powerful authority, but they must never explain their actions.

“We know that the genesis of the Wallfacer Project comes from Wade [Liam Cunningham], because we saw him make the phone call in Episode 7,” Benioff explained to Netflix. “The reason the term was chosen references staring at the wall, trying to achieve a state of enlightenment and not interacting with the outside world. And it’s a pretty damn lonely existence.”

The group chosen to be the Wallfacers include General Hou Bolin (Clem Cheung), a military historian, and Professor Leyla Ariç (Salem Murphy), a Kurdish war hero who fought ISIS. “Two who are chosen are more expected choices: a Chinese general and war historian who’s written extensively about military affairs, who spent his life thinking about military conflict, and a Kurdish war hero who’s had success in asymmetrical conflicts,” said Benioff. However, the third member is revealed to be Saul. “Saul Durand… doesn’t make any sense to anybody except for Wade,” Benioff added.

Saul is super confused about why the Secretary General chose him for the project. “Let’s just say, the enemy knows why,” is her vague answer. It’s clear that Saul doesn’t want to be a Wallfacer: “I reject all of the powers of the Wallfacer. I won’t do it, OK?” he tells her.

Who Shoots Saul In 3 Body Problem ?

3 Body Problem. Jovan Adepo as Saul Durand in episode 104 of 3 Body Problem. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © ... [+] 2024

Just as Saul leaves the United Nations and refuses security, he’s shot by a sniper. Thankfully, he’s alive and only has a broken rib, thanks to his bulletproof suit. At the hospital, he asks the shooter to come to his room so they can chat. The sniper identifies himself as “a soldier in the army of the Lord.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t aim for your head,” the shooter tells him, “then my mission would be complete, and you’d be free of yours.” Saul is doesn’t understand what makes him so special to the San-Ti, and why the aliens care if he lives or dies.

Saul asks to go home, and Kent comes by to arrange it. Saul eventually returns to the Secretary General to confirm his resignation. “I’m not sure it matters whether you truly are a Wallfacer. What matters is what people believe — and non-people,” she says. “A Wallfacer’s work is carried out in secret, in the solitude of the mind.”

Again, Saul has no clue why he’s tasked with this, and he notes that the San-Ti aren’t arriving for 400 years. “We owe it to our descendants to fight for them,” the Secretary General replies, adding that no one knows why Saul was chosen. However, viewers do learn that there is an “indirect direct” reason that Saul will find out at the right moment.

In the finale, we also see Tatiana, who returns home after killing Ye in China. She discovers a VR headset in her van, with a note card that says, “If one of us survives, we all survive.” She puts the headset on, but viewers don’t see the world she enters.

What Is The Staircase Project?

3 Body Problem. Alex Sharp as Will Downing in episode 107 of 3 Body Problem. Cr. Chris Baker/Netflix ... [+] © 2024

As part of The Staircase Project, Will Downing (one of the members of the Oxford Five) has his brain is removed from his body, put on ice, and is about to be launched into space at Cape Canaveral in Florida. “The launch of the staircase mission project, it’s a really important sequence in the finale of the show,” the episode’s director Jeremy Podeswa told Netflix. “It was a really intricate, interesting thing to shoot. We built a mission control here. That’s a really spectacular set.”

Before the launch, Jin expresses guilt to Raj about what happened to Will. She believes she stole the last few weeks of his life for the project. She cautions that even if Will makes it to space, the radiation sail must open at the precise moment and pass 300 atomic bombs. “It’s like threading a needle 300 times in a row, all while traveling hundreds of kilometers per second,” she explains. Raj clarifies that it’s not Will anymore and he’s dead, but Jin says that’s not true. “He’s a living brain, being kept at negative 150 degrees,” she says, noting that if the San-Ti find him, they can revive him. “I love him. He’s still alive,” Jin says.

Saul arrives just in time to watch Will’s brain blast into space. The capsule deploys and leaves Earth’s orbit as planned. The radiation sail opens and flies past the first nuclear bomb, which explodes and sends the ship to the next bomb, which detonates on time, launching the rocket even faster. However, things take a devastating turn.

What Goes Wrong With The Staircase Project?

3 Body Problem. (L to R) Liam Cunningham as Wade, Jess Hong as Jin Cheng in episode 108 of 3 Body ... [+] Problem. Cr. Ed Miller/Netflix © 2024

One of the cables holding the sail to the capsule snaps off, veering the capsule off course. Will’s brain goes into the depths of outer space, and the mission is deemed a failure.

“Part of the reason I really feel Jin’s despair when Will’s brain capsule goes off course, I think, is that she’s finally recognized… now it’s too late,” Benioff tells Netflix. “If you still believe he’s alive as a frozen brain, maybe the aliens can bring him back. Well, that’s not going to happen now because he’s just veered off millions of miles in the wrong direction.”

How Does 3 Body Problem On Netflix End?

3 Body Problem. Benedict Wong as Da Shi in episode 108 of 3 Body Problem. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © ... [+] 2024

In the aftermath of The Staircase Project, Wade receives a message from a Sophon on the TV who tells him that the San-Ti would have liked to meet Will. “We’re sorry the Staircase Project failed,” she says. “We would have liked to meet Mr. Downing. We hope to meet you, if your hibernation technology works. Human beings are so fragile.”

She also ominously tells Wade that he is part of their plan, too. “Yes, you’re a strong leader. We want you to know there will be a place for you when we arrive. You are part of our plan.”

Then, the avatar actually appears on the plane and says, “We’ll always be with you. Every room you enter, we’ll already be there waiting for you. Whatever we want you to see, you will see. Until the day you die.” Wade then has a vision of a countdown and an apparition of his body — with his eyes gouged out — appears next to him.

After that extremely eerie scene, viewers see a sad Jin and Saul drinking at a motel pool. Da Shi shows up and tries to cheer them up. He points out that the capsule traveled faster than any man-made object in history. “We’re slow, we’re dumb, and we die easy,” Saul responds, “We’re bugs.”

Da Shi takes them to a marsh where there are swarms of cicadas. “People hate bugs, been trying to get rid of them forever,” Da Shi says. “Look around, they’re not going anywhere.” The cicadas symbolize that it’s okay to be bugs because they are resilient and are hard to kill in the long run.

“It’s really a tragic moment for Jin and tragic moment for Saul, who is one of Will’s best friends, and they’re despondent at the very end,” Benioff says about the ending. “And the one person who doesn’t really have patience for their despondency is Da Shi, whose attitude is: We’re at war, have your moment to grieve, but now it’s time to get back to work.”

In the final scene, Da Shi acknowledges they have work to do. “Let’s get back. We’ve got work to do,” he says, ending the series on an open-ended note. This sets up a potential Season 2 of 3 Body Problem , which the show’s creators have already started working on. (Read everything you need to know about 3 Body Problem Season 2 here .)

The first season of 3 Body Problem is streaming on Netflix.

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