various meanings of "manage"

[kjc0123]

I know that "manage" usually means "to succeed in doing something, especially something that needs a lot of effort or skill" but in the following sentence it seems to have somewhat different meaning. Therefore, I want to know various meanings of "manage", and, if possible, please show me some examples.

On the tortuous path through the woods to the tent, one or two of the Cub Scouts always managed to get lost.

[Quizmonster]

We usually use the word 'succeed' to suggest that something was worth doing..eg "He succeeded in passing his driving test." However, it can also be used to suggest the exact opposite...eg "I succeeded in spilling my drink all over his lap."
Precisely the same 'rule' applies to the word 'manage'. That is why we can speak of someone "managing to get lost".

[gen2]

The meaning is not really that different.  See these two examples:

On the tortuous path through the woods to the tent, one or two of the Cub Scouts always managed to get lost.

On the tortuous path through the woods to the tent, most of the Cub Scouts managed to find their way.

Both mean that they succeeded at something.  The difference is in whether the achievement was through a positive action or a negative action.  The Cub Scouts who found the camp had done something right.  The others had failed to reach the camp and so they can be said to have succeeded (though not intentionally) in getting lost.

Here is another example:  Ten children crossed a river by jumping from stone to stone. All managed to reach the other side but three managed to get wet in the process.

All ten were successful at crossing.  Three failed to keep dry so they succeeded in the opposite - getting wet.

I hope I didn't manage to upset you with my homework remark last weekend but clanad put me right.

I hope this helps.

[jno]

I think the usage here is slightly sarcastic or 'ironic' - it uses a word that, as you say, implies doing something skilful, and uses it for an action that involves doing something careless.

[Peter Pedant]

Hi Kay Jay - this meaning of manage meaning achieve a goal, is used in

the little boys managed to get lost (again)

the sportsmen managed to get themselves arrested.

It has the idea that this did not occur by chance but that there was real effort and determination in achieving the unwanted effect.

[Peter Pedant]

Other meanings  -

An office manager manages the office, and tells the clerks what to do and when to do it.

I finally managed to locate this book.  = I looked for the book and finally found it.

cant think of any more