in dire straits
1
a situation with a lot of difficulties
The idiom "in dire straits" has its origins in the nautical world. "Straits" refer to narrow, difficult-to-navigate water passages, and "dire" means extremely serious or urgent. The phrase is used to describe a situation marked by extreme difficulty, danger, or adversity, where someone is facing serious and urgent problems or hardships.
- The firm is in dire straits and may go bankrupt.
- After losing his job and facing mounting bills, he found himself in dire straits financially.
- The charity provided assistance to families in dire straits, helping them with basic necessities.
- The company's mismanagement left it in dire straits, with bankruptcy looming.
- When the hurricane hit, the community came together to support those in dire straits.
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