Idiom
in a pickle
Meanings
In a difficult, confusing, or problematic situation.
Definition
In a pickle means in a difficult or troublesome situation where you need help or a solution.
If you are in a pickle, you are in a tricky situation, often because something went wrong or you made a mistake. It usually suggests stress and urgency, and you may not know what to do next. People often say this when they need advice or help to fix the problem.
Examples
- I’m in a pickle because I forgot my passport at home.
- She was in a pickle after sending the email to the wrong client.
- We’re in a pickle since the hotel lost our reservation.
- He got in a pickle when his laptop died right before the presentation.
- They’re in a pickle because the babysitter canceled at the last minute.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.