Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
behind the eight ball — A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape … The small dictionary of idiomes
behind the eight ball — phrasal : in a highly disadvantageous position or baffling situation finds himself behind the eight ball, unable to buy the things his family needs Philip Murray †1952 * * * behind the eight ball (informal) In a difficult situation (from the… … Useful english dictionary
behind the eight ball — 1. mod. in trouble; in a weak or losing position. □ I’m behind the eight ball again. □ John spends a lot of time behind the eight ball. 2. mod. roke. □ Sorry, I’m really behind the eight ball this month. I can’t make a contribution … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
behind the eight-ball — {adj. phr.}, {slang} In a difficult position; in trouble. * /Mr. Thompson is an older man, and when he lost his job, he found he was behind the eight ball./ * /Bill can t dance and has no car, so he is behind the eight ball with the girls./… … Dictionary of American idioms
behind\ the\ eight-ball — adj. phr. slang In a difficult position; in trouble. Mr. Thompson is an older man, and when he lost his job, he found he was behind the eight ball. Bill can t dance and has no car, so he is behind the eight ball with the girls. Compare: have two… … Словарь американских идиом
behind the eight-ball — 1. adjective In a difficult situation or tight spot. After his last two projects failed, he was really behind the eight ball. Syn: snookered 2. adverb In a difficult situation … Wiktionary
behind the eight ball — Meaning A dangerous position from which it is unlikely one can escape. Origin From a version of the game of pool. The balls are numbered and must be potted in order. The game is forfeited if a player s cue ball hits the (black) eight ball first.… … Meaning and origin of phrases
behind the eight ball — in a difficult situation. Simpson s thoughtless remarks put him behind the eight ball, and many people thought he should resign. Etymology: from the game of pool (= a game played on a special table with sticks and numbered balls), in which you do … New idioms dictionary
behind the eight ball — in a difficult position, in a predicament, between the devil and... I m behind the eight ball with the Tax Department. I deducted college tuition fees from my taxable income, but I didn t pay the fees! … English idioms
behind the eight ball — American in serious difficulty From a potentially losing position in the game of pool: Verdi would get the message that he could find himself behind the eight ball. (Deighton, 1994) … How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms
