in a pickle

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

in a difficult or embarrassing situation

Why this phrase?

The phrase may come from the Dutch 'in de pekel zitten', sitting in the pickling brine; today it means being thoroughly stuck.

Example

“I'm in a bit of a pickle — I've lost my passport abroad.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

in hot water Informal · CEFR B1

In trouble or facing difficulty.

a tough nut to crack Neutral · CEFR C1

a hard problem to solve or a hard person to convince

can of worms Informal · CEFR B1

a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched

easier said than done Neutral · CEFR B1

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

get out of hand Neutral · CEFR B1

To become impossible to control.

hang in there Informal · CEFR B1

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

markdown