- In a difficult, awkward, or embarrassing situation; in trouble.
Explanation
Origin
- The origin is debated, but it likely relates to the process of preserving vegetables (like cucumbers) in pickling brine (vinegar and salt water).
- Being in pickle might metaphorically mean being mixed up, disoriented, or preserved in a troublesome state, much like a vegetable submerged in brine.
- Shakespeare used it in The Tempest (around 1610): How cam'st thou in this pickle? implying being drunk or in a mess.
- The meaning of being in a difficult situation solidified over time.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- In deep shit / Up shit creek (Vulgar, very difficult situation)
- Screwed / Boned (Slang, in trouble, facing negative consequences)
- In the weeds (Overwhelmed with work or difficulty)
- Behind the eight ball (In a disadvantageous or difficult position)
Milder/Standard:
- In trouble
- In a difficult situation
- Facing a problem / challenge
- In a predicament
More Formal:
- In a quandary (Difficult choice or uncertainty)
- Facing adversity
- In difficult circumstances
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Suitable for casual conversation among friends, family, or colleagues you know well.
- Might sound a bit too quaint or informal for very serious or formal business contexts, where in a difficult situation or facing a challenge would be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might be confused by the literal meaning related to pickled food.
- Clarify it means being in a difficult or awkward situation.
Examples
- I lost my wallet and keys, so I'm in a real pickle now.
- He's in a bit of a pickle because he accidentally double-booked himself for Saturday night.
- If this plan fails, we'll all be in a pickle.
Dialogue
Anna: Hey Ben, do you have a spare charger? My phone died, and I'm waiting for an important call.
Ben: Oh, sorry Anna, I left mine at home today.
Anna: Oh dear. Now I'm in a pickle. I really need to be reachable.
Ben: Maybe Sarah in accounting has one you could borrow?
Social Media Examples
- Post: Locked myself out of the house and my phone is inside. In a bit of a pickle! Anyone near [Neighborhood] got a ladder? #help #lockedout
- Tweet: Realized I scheduled two important meetings at the exact same time. Now I'm in a pickle. #worklife #oops
- Comment: That sounds like a real pickle! Hope you figure it out soon.
Response Patterns
When someone says they are in a pickle:
- Expressing concern/sympathy: Oh no! What happened? / That sounds difficult.
- Offering help: Is there anything I can do? / How can I help?
- Asking for details: What kind of pickle?
When describing a situation as a pickle:
- Agreement: Yeah, that's a tricky spot.
- Asking for clarification: Why is that a pickle?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone reveals they are in a pickle:
- Discussing the specifics of the problem.
- Brainstorming solutions.
- Taking action to help resolve the situation.
After identifying a potential pickle:
- Discussing how to avoid it.
- Planning contingency measures.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes an existing difficult situation.
Intonation
- Stress usually on pickle.
- Often said with a tone of worry, slight panic, or sometimes humorous understatement.
- Uh oh, looks like we're in a PICKLE.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, but might be perceived as slightly old-fashioned by some younger people. Still commonly used.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.