What with high taxes and his small income [vs "What about ...."]

[mimi2]

Why not "What about"? Please explain.Thanks a lot.
"What with high taxes and his small income, he had much trouble surpporting his family."

 

[ireney]

"What about X" means "What do you have to say (or think in some cases) about X"

"What with X (and Y)" means "Because of X (and Y)"

 

[mimi2]

oh! Thank you Ireney.
It helps me a lot.