behind the 8-ball
In a bind
Behind the 8-ball means in a difficult or disadvantageous position.
From pool, where the black 8-ball can block your shot at other balls, leaving you with no good options.
After missing two deadlines, I was already behind the 8-ball with my boss.
The phrase suggests being stuck in circumstances not entirely of your own making.
- up against itIn dire straits
- between a rock and a hard placeFacing only bad options
- in a jamFacing difficult circumstances
- in a pickleFacing a difficult dilemma
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
pool cue · setback · snooker · misfortune · billiard table · challenge · quandary · out of one's depth · in deep water · up the creek · on thin ice · struggle · predicament · in hot water · roadblock · skating on thin ice · impediment · bank shot
behind the 8-ballsitting pretty
In favorable circumstances
in the driver's seat · ahead of the game · on top of the world · holding all the cards · on top
behind the 8-ballin control
Managing with authority
calling the shots · running the show · at the helm · in charge · in the driver's seat
behind, ball, balls, balled, balling, eighth, eighths, eighty, eighties