John has gotten himself into a pickle. He has two dates for the party.Now we are in a pretty pickle. We are out of gas.
Idiom
in a pickle
experiencing a difficult situation.
He thinks the media are responsible for his being in such a pickle.
Usage notes: often used with a word describing the type of difficulty:
They are going to put themselves in a legal pickle.
in a pickle
In a troublesome or difficult situation. The adjectives "pretty" and "right" are commonly used before "pickle." Boy, am I in a pickle—I accidentally made plans to meet with two different clients today.We're in a pretty pickle now because the hotel gave our room away.
*in a (pretty) pickle
Fig. in a mess; in trouble. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~.) John has gotten himself into a pickle. He has two dates for the party.Now we are in a pretty pickle. We are out of gas.
in a (real, right, etc.) ˈpickle
(informal) in a difficult situation; in a mess: Things are in a real pickle at the moment, I’m afraid. My assistant’s left and I’m completely lost without him!Can you help me? I’m in a bit of a pickle.