In a pickle Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpɪkəɫ
IN-uh-PIK-uhl
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /pˈɪkəl
IN-uh-PIK-uhl
Definition
To be in a difficult or troublesome situation and unsure how to solve it.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, old-fashioned idiom – used in conversation but rarely in formal writing. It usually means you're having trouble or are stuck. Can be replaced by 'in trouble' or 'in a bind.' Not related to actual pickles.
Spanish: en un aprieto - en un líoPortuguese (BR): em apuros - em uma enrascadaPortuguese (PT): em apuros - em sarilhosChinese (Simplified): 陷入困境Chinese (Traditional): 陷入困境Hindi: मुसीबत मेंArabic: في ورطةBengali: বিপাকে পড়া - সমস্যায় পড়াRussian: затруднительное положение - в трудном положенииJapanese: 困った状況にいる - ピンチであるVietnamese: gặp rắc rối - lâm vào cảnh khó xửKorean: 곤경에 처하다 - 난처한 상황에 있다Turkish: zorda olmak - çıkmazda olmakUrdu: مصیبت میں پڑ جانا - مشکل میں ہوناIndonesian: dalam masalah - sedang kesulitan
Example Sentences
I'm in a pickle because I lost my keys.
basic
She was in a pickle after missing the last bus.
basic
If you spend all your money now, you’ll be in a pickle later.
basic
He's really in a pickle with two meetings at the same time.
natural
Whenever my phone dies and I'm out, I'm in a pickle.
natural
You’re in a pickle now, so let’s figure out what to do next.
natural