English / idiom
Behind the Eight Ball
MEANING IN ENGLISH
In a difficult, unfavorable, or awkward position with few good options.
In context
01
Postponing background reading until the week of the exam put Liam squarely behind the eight ball.
02
When their initial hypothesis failed, the researchers found themselves behind the eight ball with funding deadlines.
Synonyms
in a bind,in a tight corner,on the back foot
Antonyms
in a favorable position,ahead of the game,on top of things
Collocations
put someone behind the eight ball,find oneself behind the eight ball