in a pickle
Meaning
In a difficult or awkward situation; in trouble and not sure what to do.
Origin
Recorded from at least the 16th century. "Pickle" earlier meant a salty brine, and being "in pickle" suggested being "in a messy fix" (as if stuck in brine). Popularized in modern English by Shakespeare’s use in *The Tempest* (1611).
Notes
Casual and common; often suggests an awkward fix rather than a serious crisis. Frequently softened with "a bit of" ("I’m in a bit of a pickle").
Examples
-
I’m in a pickle—I promised to be at two meetings at the same time.
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We were in a pickle when the car broke down miles from the nearest town.
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She found herself in a pickle after she accidentally deleted the client’s files.
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He’s in a pickle because he lost his passport the day before the flight.
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They got in a pickle when their main supplier suddenly raised prices overnight.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as: be in a pickle / get into a pickle / be in a bit of a pickle. Article is typically "a" (not "the"). "Pickle" is normally singular here.
Synonyms
- in a bind
- in a jam
- in a fix
- in hot water
- in trouble
Antonyms
- out of trouble
- in the clear
- safe and sound