in a pickle

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behind the eight ball adj.
between the devil and the deep blue sea adj.
over a barrel adj.

ADJECTIVE

behind the eight ball

Synonyms

WEAK

in Dutch in a tight spot in hot water on the hot seat on-the-spot out on a limb up the creek

ADJECTIVE

between the devil and the deep blue sea

Synonyms

WEAK

Catch-22 Hobson's choice between Scylla and Charybdis between a rock and a hard place between the hammer and the anvil between two fires cornered in a dilemma in a predicament in the middle no choice sitting on a powder keg

ADJECTIVE

over a barrel

Synonyms

WEAK

in a jam in a mess in an awkward position without choices

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

in a pickle

He has taken full advantage of that dispensation, leaving the Supreme Court in a pickle as the grace period is set to expire this week.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

In December 2025, Lara Trump said on Fox News, “We’re going to be in a pickle if we don’t get more babies coming.”

From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026

The erstwhile interim U.S. attorney, then, is in a pickle of his own making.

From Slate ● Mar. 11, 2026

The bespectacled leg-spinner recently had the Australians in a pickle and has a great chance to bag a hatful of wickets in the opening group stage against weaker teams.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

“Quinzy’s in a pickle as well. I’m afraid you’re stuck playing the part, old chap.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

in a pickle

Example Sentences

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