In a bind Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbaɪnd
IN-uh-BYND
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /bˈaɪnd
IN-uh-BYND
Definition
If you are "in a bind," you are in a difficult situation and don't know what to do.
Usage & Nuances
It's an informal and friendly expression, often used in conversation to describe being stuck or having a tricky problem. Similar phrases: 'in a jam', 'in trouble'. Not used for dangerous emergencies, but more for social, financial, or practical difficulties.
Spanish: en un aprieto - en un líoPortuguese (BR): em apuros - em uma enrascadaPortuguese (PT): em apuros - numa embrulhadaChinese (Simplified): 陷入困境 - 进退两难Chinese (Traditional): 陷入困境 - 進退兩難Hindi: मुसीबत में - परेशानी मेंArabic: في ورطة - في مأزقBengali: বিপাকে পড়া - সমস্যায় পড়াRussian: в затруднении - в сложной ситуацииJapanese: 困っている - 困難な状況にいるVietnamese: kẹt - gặp khóKorean: 곤란한 상황에 처하다 - 난처하다Turkish: zorda kalmak - çıkmazda olmakUrdu: مشکل میں ہونا - پھنس جاناIndonesian: dalam kesulitan - dalam keadaan terjepit
Example Sentences
I'm in a bind because I lost my wallet.
basic
She was in a bind and asked her friend for help.
basic
If you ever find yourself in a bind, let me know.
basic
We're really in a bind—the project is due tomorrow and nothing's ready.
natural
He got in a bind after promising to help two friends at the same time.
natural
I'm sorry, I can't lend you money right now—I'm in a bind myself.
natural