
IdiomDaily Life
English
behind the eight ball
Meaning: In a difficult situation or position.
Example: “Losing our top salesperson put us behind the eight ball this quarter.”
Origin: From pool games in which the black eight ball must not be hit first; a player whose cue ball is stuck directly behind it has a very difficult shot. The phrase is American from the 1920s and 1930s.
More English idioms
- big shot An important, powerful, or influential person.
- big wheel An important, powerful, or influential person.
- black and blue Discolored from a bruise; injured in a fight either physically or verbally.
- black out To lose consciousness temporarily.
- toot one's own horn To boast or brag.
- blow one's stack To become suddenly very angry.
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