In a pickle
phrase
In a difficult situation or problem that seems impossible to solve.
After losing his job and his house, John found himself in a pickle.
Often appears as...
- find oneself in a pickle
- get into a pickle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
In a situation that is disconcerting or embarrassing.
Jenny was in a pickle when her friends found out she had been lying to them.
Often appears as...
- land someone in a pickle
- leave someone in a pickle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
In a difficult situation or problem that seems impossible to solve.
After losing his job and his house, John found himself in a pickle.
Often appears as...
- find oneself in a pickle
- get into a pickle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
In a situation that is disconcerting or embarrassing.
Jenny was in a pickle when her friends found out she had been lying to them.
Often appears as...
- land someone in a pickle
- leave someone in a pickle
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
The phrase is a metaphor and does not involve real pickles, emphasizing a problematic situation.
Forgetting my passport at home, I was in a pickle.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember, the phrase isn't used for mild inconveniences, but for serious challenges.
With the deadline approaching, we were really in a pickle.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
The phrase is suitable for casual conversations rather than formal situations.
I locked my keys in the car and was in a pickle.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
The phrase is a metaphor and does not involve real pickles, emphasizing a problematic situation.
Forgetting my passport at home, I was in a pickle.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember, the phrase isn't used for mild inconveniences, but for serious challenges.
With the deadline approaching, we were really in a pickle.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
The phrase is suitable for casual conversations rather than formal situations.
I locked my keys in the car and was in a pickle.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
The phrase is a metaphor and does not involve real pickles, emphasizing a problematic situation.
Forgetting my passport at home, I was in a pickle.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember, the phrase isn't used for mild inconveniences, but for serious challenges.
With the deadline approaching, we were really in a pickle.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
The phrase is suitable for casual conversations rather than formal situations.
I locked my keys in the car and was in a pickle.
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