in a pickle

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

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in a pickle

The Federal Reserve, which held rates steady following the conclusion of its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday, is in a pickle, too.

From Barron's ● Mar. 20, 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

Fans of TJ's popcorn in a pickle can try recreating them at home by sprinkling TJ's new pickle seasoning on fresh popcorn.

From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2022

The ones in a pickle were the Methodists.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

in a pickle

Example Sentences

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