behind the eight ball

behind the eight ball
*behind the eight ball
1. Fig. in trouble; in a weak or losing position. (Alludes to the eight ball in pool, which in certain games cannot be touched without penalty. *Typically: be \behind the eight ball; get \behind the eight ball; have someone \behind the eight ball; put someone \behind the eight ball.) •

I'm behind the eight ball again and can't see how to relieve my dilemma.

John is behind the eight ball because he started writing his term paper far too late.

2. Fig. broke. •

Sorry, I'm really behind the eight ball this month. I can't make a contribution. (*Typically:

be \behind the eight ball; get \behind the eight ball; have someone \behind the eight ball; put someone \behind the eight ball.) •

I was behind the eight ball again and couldn't make my car payment.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • 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./… …   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

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