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Experiencing Difficulties Vocabulary Set in Difficulty: Full and Detailed List

The 'Experiencing Difficulties' vocabulary set in 'Difficulty' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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in hot water

/ɪn hɑt ˈwɔtər/

Example:

He found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.

have your back against the wall

/hæv jʊər bæk əˈɡɛnst ðə wɔl/

Example:

With the deadline approaching and no progress, we really have our backs against the wall.

behind the eight ball

/bɪˈhaɪnd ðə eɪt bɔl/

Example:

After missing the deadline, we were really behind the eight ball.

black hole

/ˈblæk hoʊl/

Example:

Scientists are studying the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.

the odds are stacked against you

/ðə ɑːdz ɑː stækt əˈɡɛnst ju/

Example:

He knows the odds are stacked against him, but he's still going to try.

for the best

/fɔr ðə bɛst/

Example:

Losing that job was difficult, but it turned out to be for the best.

be in a (pretty) pickle

/bi ɪn ə ˈprɪt.i ˈpɪk.əl/

Example:

After losing his job and breaking his leg, John found himself in a pretty pickle.

be in a tight spot

/bi ɪn ə taɪt spɑt/

Example:

I'm really in a tight spot with this deadline approaching.

be in a tight corner

/bi ɪn ə taɪt ˈkɔrnər/

Example:

After losing his job, he found himself in a tight corner financially.

in dire straits

/ɪn daɪər streɪts/

Example:

After losing his job, he found himself in dire straits.

be in the grip of

/bi ɪn ðə ɡrɪp əv/

Example:

The country is in the grip of a severe economic crisis.

rabbit hole

/ˈræb.ɪt ˌhoʊl/

Example:

The dog sniffed around the rabbit hole, hoping to find its occupant.

go through the wringer

/ɡoʊ θruː ðə ˈrɪŋər/

Example:

After the scandal, the company really had to go through the wringer.

up a creek without a paddle

/ʌp ə kriːk wɪðˈaʊt ə ˈpædl/

Example:

If we don't get this report done by Friday, we'll be up a creek without a paddle.

when the chips are down

/wɛn ðə tʃɪps ɑr daʊn/

Example:

You'll see who your true friends are when the chips are down.

school of hard knocks

/skuːl əv hɑːrd nɑks/

Example:

He didn't go to college, but he got his education in the school of hard knocks.

in the same boat

/ɪn ðə seɪm boʊt/

Example:

We're all in the same boat, trying to meet the deadline.

sea legs

/ˈsiː leɡz/

Example:

It took him a few days to get his sea legs on the cruise.

make a man (out) of

/meɪk ə mæn (aʊt) əv/

Example:

Working on the farm really made a man out of him.

fall to pieces

/fɔl tə ˈpiːsɪz/

Example:

After the divorce, she completely fell to pieces.
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