The phrase "reason for hand-wringing" describes a situation that causes extreme worry or anxiety, often resulting in the physical act of wringing one's hands. Synonyms for this phrase include source of distress, cause of consternation, motive for concern, and justification for unease. Other similar phrases include trigger for apprehension, catalyst for worry, and stimulus for alarm. When faced with a reason for hand-wringing, it is important to remain calm and take steps to address the issue, whether that involves seeking help, making a plan, or taking action to mitigate the problem.