In figurative contexts (chiefly in plural).
| 单词 | θ87266 |
| 释义 | the world > action or operation > difficulty > [phrase] > in a difficult position > in straits (20) waterOE In figurative contexts (chiefly in plural). straitly steadc1400 placed in straits, sore beset. need-stead?c1450 In trouble or distress; = need-bestead, adj. at the worst hand1490 at a bad hand (also at the worst hand, etc.): in a bad (or the worst) position, in the worst case. Obsolete. in suds1575 in suds (†in suds, in the sud): chiefly in to lieor be in the suds; to lay, leave in the suds. In difficulties, in embarrassment or perplexity. Obs… lock1598 A tight grip on a person, esp. (Wrestling) a hold on a particular limb or part of the body, used to restrain another person or prevent him or her… at a bad hand1640 at a bad hand (also at the worst hand, etc.): in a bad (or the worst) position, in the worst case. Obsolete. in a wood1659 Phrases and Proverbs. in a wood: in a difficulty, trouble, or perplexity; at a loss. in bad bread1743 regional (in later use chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern)). in bad bread: in a bad state, in difficulties; in disfavour with a person… up a stump1829 up a stump: perplexed, in difficulties (see also quot. 1834). Cf. up a tree at tree, n. phrases slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). in a tight (also awkward, bad, etc.) spot1851 With modifying adjective: a situation or set of circumstances of the (typically negative) type indicated. Usually in in a tight (also awkward, bad,… up shit creek1868 up shit creek: in an unpleasant situation or awkward predicament; in trouble (cf. up the creek at creek, n.1 2c). Also in elaborated form up shit… in the cart1889 Proverbs and Phrases. to setor put the cart before the horse: to reverse the natural or proper order. †to be left out of the cart's arse: (see… in the soup1889 colloquial or slang. in the soup, in a difficulty. Originally U.S. out on a limb1897 Transferred senses. out on a limb, in an isolated or stranded position; at a disadvantage. Originally U.S. in a spot1929 colloquial (originally U.S.). in a spot and variants: in a difficult or tricky situation. Cf. earlier in a tight (also awkward, bad, etc.) spot at… up the creek1941 As part of a river or river-system. up the creek: (a) in a tight corner, in trouble; spec. pregnant; (b) crazy, eccentric. slang. consommé1957 A strong broth or soup made by slowly boiling meat for a long time. Now esp. applied to clear soup. Also figurative (cf. ‘in the soup’). Subcategories:— in extreme difficulty (2) |
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