Experiencing Difficulties

in a situation that has unpleasant consequences for one

But this poor fellow was always getting into hot water, and if there was a wrong way of doing a thing, was sure to hit upon it.

in a situation that involves difficulty, particularly one that is worse compared to that of others

Many families in this country are still behind the eight ball and do not enjoy the same standard of living that other people enjoy.

a place in the space with such high gravity that pulls in everything, even light

Black holes are formed from the remnants of massive stars that have ended their life cycles and collapsed under their own gravity.

used to denote that someone has little chance of success in a given situation

I maintain that the defense actually played pretty well in the Super Bowl, especially when you consider how things were stacked against them.

used for saying that something is going to be of advantage despite causing difficulty at the moment

The cast didn't attempt a Spanish accent, which was definitely for the best.

in a situation that presents a serious problem

We're in a pretty pickle now because the hotel gave our room away.

in a situation that is difficult to deal with

The recent strike has put the airline company in a tight spot.

in a difficult situation, particularly one that is not easy to deal with or get out of

He’s a good man to have around if ever you’re in a tight corner.

a situation with a lot of difficulties

The firm is in dire straits and may go bankrupt.

used for saying that someone or something is affected or taken over by a very difficult or undesirable situation

Lebanon remained in the grip of an intense political crisis.

a situation marked by complexity, confusion, or strangeness, which is often difficult to escape from

Let's avoid that particular rabbit hole and consider a broader and more unsettling point.

experiencing many difficulties or challenges

I really had to go through the wringer with that disciplinary hearing.

a situation that is filled with a lot of problems, confusion, or disorganization

The situation was terrible, but like many politicians he was attracted by troubled waters.

used to convey that one is in a difficult or challenging situation without a clear solution

Customers feel they have been left up the creek without a paddle by the bank.

used for referring to the time at which a situation gets really problematic, serious, or challenging

One day when the chips are down, you will know who your true friends are.

tough, real-life experiences and challenges that one faces in life, often resulting in practical knowledge

He never went to college but the school of hard knocks made him a shrewd businessman.

in an unpleasant or difficult situation as same as what another person is experiencing

Both of us lost our jobs, so we're in the same boat when it comes to job hunting.

a person's ability to adjust to a new or unfamiliar situation

It took some time, but Jake eventually found his sea legs in his new job and became comfortable with the tasks and responsibilities.

(of a difficult situation) to make a man tougher or more responsible

A couple of years in the army should make a man of him.

to completely fail to be effective

The actor forgot his lines during the performance, causing the scene to fall to pieces and the audience to become confused.

to have or earn just enough money or resources to meet basic needs and survive

Despite the difficult circumstances, they managed to scratch a living by selling homemade crafts.