Be in a jam

phrase

To be in a difficult situation or problem.

I forgot my wallet at home, so I'm really in a jam now.
Visual representation of "be in a jam" - To be in a difficult situation or problem

Often appears as...

  • get oneself in a jam
  • be/fall into a jam

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrase

To be in a crowded or congested place or situation.

We're in a real jam, there are too many cars on the road today.
Visual representation of "be in a jam" - To be in a crowded or congested place or situation

Often appears as...

  • be caught in a jam
  • be stuck in a jam

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

To be in a difficult situation or problem.

I forgot my wallet at home, so I'm really in a jam now.
Visual representation of "be in a jam" - To be in a difficult situation or problem

Often appears as...

  • get oneself in a jam
  • be/fall into a jam

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrase

To be in a crowded or congested place or situation.

We're in a real jam, there are too many cars on the road today.
Visual representation of "be in a jam" - To be in a crowded or congested place or situation

Often appears as...

  • be caught in a jam
  • be stuck in a jam

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be in a jam"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implied

Often suggests a pressing need for help or a solution.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
I'm in a jam with these deadlines—can you assist?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

Used mostly in casual conversation, not formal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I'm in such a jam, I might miss the party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Seeking Assistance

Implies the speaker may need help resolving the problem.

Illustration for Seeking Assistance
Can you lend me some money? I'm in a jam here.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implied

Often suggests a pressing need for help or a solution.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
I'm in a jam with these deadlines—can you assist?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

Used mostly in casual conversation, not formal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I'm in such a jam, I might miss the party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Seeking Assistance

Implies the speaker may need help resolving the problem.

Illustration for Seeking Assistance
Can you lend me some money? I'm in a jam here.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implied

Often suggests a pressing need for help or a solution.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
I'm in a jam with these deadlines—can you assist?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

Used mostly in casual conversation, not formal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I'm in such a jam, I might miss the party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Seeking Assistance

Implies the speaker may need help resolving the problem.

Illustration for Seeking Assistance
Can you lend me some money? I'm in a jam here.
Visual representation of the word "Be in a jam"

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