The idiom "in hot water" originates from the idea of being in a situation where the water is too hot, making it uncomfortable or painful. It is often used to describe a situation in which someone is facing trouble, difficulty, or criticism, often as a result of their actions or decisions.

What is the origin of the idiom "in hot water" and when to use it?

(in|into) hot water

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The exact origin of the idiom "one's back against the wall" is not definitively documented, but it is a phrase that likely draws from a literal scenario where someone is physically cornered or trapped with their back against a wall, which is a vulnerable and constrained position. Over time, this concept has been figuratively applied to describe situations in which people face extreme pressure, adversity, or limited options.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's back against the wall" and when to use it?

{one's} [back] (against|to) the wall

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The idiom "be in over one's head" is related to water and swimming. When someone is in over their head in a pool or body of water, it means they are in a situation that is deeper than their height, and they may struggle to keep afloat or maintain control. Figuratively, this expression is used to describe a situation where someone is facing challenges, responsibilities, or circumstances that are beyond their ability to handle or understand.

What is the origin of the idiom "be in over one's head" and when to use it?

[be] (way|) in over {one's} head

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The idiom "behind the eight ball" has its roots in billiards or pool, where being behind the eight ball is a challenging position, as it limits the player's options for their next shot. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation where someone is in a difficult or unfavorable position, often due to past actions or circumstances, and faces an uphill struggle to improve their situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "behind the eight ball" and when to use it?

behind the eight ball

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The idiom "black hole" is borrowed from the astronomical term that describes a region in space with gravitational forces so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. It is used to describe a situation or condition that is extremely difficult, challenging, or nearly impossible to escape from, often due to its overwhelming nature.

What is the origin of the idiom "black hole" and when to use it?

black hole

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The idiom "the odds are stacked against someone" or "the cards are stacked against someone" draws from the world of gambling, where the chances of winning or losing can be influenced by the way cards or dice are arranged or manipulated. In a figurative sense, it describes a situation where someone faces significant obstacles, challenges, or unfavorable circumstances that make their success or victory unlikely.

What is the origin of the idiom "the odds are stacked against someone" and when to use it?

the (odds|cards) [are] stacked against {sb}

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The idiom "for the best" is used to express the belief or hope that a particular outcome or decision, while possibly challenging or disappointing in the short term, will ultimately lead to a better or more favorable result. It is used to imply that a difficult choice or situation has been made with the intention of achieving a positive or beneficial long-term outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "for the best" and when to use it?

for the best

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The idiom "in a pickle" has been in use since the 16th century and comes from the Dutch word "pekel," which refers to a solution made from brine or vinegar. It is used to describe a situation where someone is in a difficult or troublesome circumstance, often as a result of their own actions or choices.

What is the origin of the idiom "in a pickle" and when to use it?

in a (pretty|) pickle

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The idiom "in a spot" originates from the idea of finding oneself in a difficult, challenging, or precarious situation, as if one is in a certain location or "spot" from which it's not easy to extricate oneself. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is facing a problem, often unexpectedly, and is uncertain about how to resolve it.

What is the origin of the idiom "in a spot" and when to use it?

in a (tight|) spot

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The idiom "in a tight corner" originates from the concept of being in a confined or restricted space where movement is limited, making it difficult to escape or maneuver. It is used to describe a situation where someone is facing a challenging, difficult, or problematic circumstance with limited options and little room to maneuver.

What is the origin of the idiom "in a tight corner" and when to use it?

in a tight corner

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The idiom "in dire straits" has its origins in the nautical world. "Straits" refer to narrow, difficult-to-navigate water passages, and "dire" means extremely serious or urgent. The phrase is used to describe a situation marked by extreme difficulty, danger, or adversity, where someone is facing serious and urgent problems or hardships.

What is the origin of the idiom "in dire straits" and when to use it?

in dire straits

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The idiom "in the grip of something" does not have a specific documented origin, but it uses the word "grip" in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone is strongly affected or controlled by something, such as an emotion, circumstance, or influence. This idiom has been in use for many years to convey the idea of being firmly under the influence or control of a particular force or situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the grip of something" and when to use it?

in the grip of {sth}

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The idiom "rabbit hole" is a reference to Lewis Carroll's famous book, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," where Alice follows a rabbit down a hole into a whimsical and bewildering world. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation marked by complexity, confusion, or strangeness, often difficult to escape from, where one becomes deeply involved in something unexpected or complex.

What is the origin of the idiom "rabbit hole" and when to use it?

rabbit hole

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The idiom "through the wringer" originates from the process of using a wringer, a mechanical device used to squeeze excess water from clothing, typically after washing. In a figurative sense, this expression is used to describe the experience of going through a challenging or demanding situation, often leaving an individual exhausted, emotionally drained, or thoroughly tested.

What is the origin of the idiom "through the wringer" and when to use it?

through the wringer

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The idiom "troubled waters" derives from the literal idea of water that is turbulent, stormy, or agitated, often making navigation challenging and dangerous. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation marked by difficulties, unrest, or turmoil.

What is the origin of the idiom "troubled waters" and when to use it?

troubled waters

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The idiom "up a creek" is derived from the idea of finding oneself in a difficult or unfavorable situation, often without any obvious solution or means of escape. It suggests being in a predicament where one is facing challenges or obstacles they cannot overcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "up a creek" and when to use it?

up (a|the) creek (without a paddle|)

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The idiom "when the chips are down" originates from the world of gambling, where "chips" represent one's bets or stakes. In this context, it is used to refer to a situation in which one is  facing a challenging or difficult situation, often when one's circumstances are at their most critical.

What is the origin of the idiom "when the chips are down" and when to use it?

when the chips [are] down

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The idiom "school of hard knocks" refers to the tough, real-life experiences and challenges that people face as they navigate through life. It is used to emphasize the idea that one's education and understanding are gained through difficult and often painful lessons learned from life's hardships and adversities.

What is the origin of the idiom "school of hard knocks" and when to use it?

school of hard knocks

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The idiom "in the same boat" draws from the literal idea of people sharing a common situation, particularly when it's a challenging or unfavorable one. It is used to say that individuals are facing similar circumstances or difficulties and can empathize with one another.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the same boat" and when to use it?

in the same boat

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The idiom "sea legs" originates from the early days of sea travel, describing a person's ability to walk steadily on a moving ship without stumbling or getting seasick. It first appeared in English in the early 1600s, referring to how sailors and passengers had to adapt to the constant motion of the sea. Today, the phrase is used more broadly to describe someone's ability to adjust to a new or unfamiliar circumstances, such as a new job, environment, or any situation that feels challenging at first but becomes easier with experience.

What is the origin of the idiom "sea legs" and when to use it?

sea legs

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The phrase "make a man of someone" has its origins in older ideas of what it means to transition from boyhood to manhood, typically involving the development of maturity, responsibility, and qualities associated with being an adult. Figuratively, it is now used to describe the process of helping someone, often a young person, grow and develop into a responsible, capable, and mature individual.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a man of someone" and when to use it?

to [make] a man (out|) of {sb}

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The idiom "fall to pieces" likely originates from the visual image of something physically breaking apart or disintegrating into smaller, unmanageable parts. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation where an individual experiences a profound emotional or mental struggle, feeling overwhelmed, upset, and unable to handle their emotions.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall to pieces" and when to use it?

to [fall] to pieces

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The idiom "scratch a living" likely originates from the idea of scratching or scraping the ground in search of sustenance or resources, reminiscent of how animals might forage for food. It conveys the notion of barely managing to survive by making do with whatever resources are available, often in difficult or challenging circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "scratch a living" and when to use it?

to [scratch|scrape] a living

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Discover how English idioms like "through the wringer" and "in a tight corner" relate to experiencing difficulties in English.

English Idioms for "Experiencing Difficulties"