behind the eight-ball
3
9.6
- idiom
- Informal
:
en una situación difícil
- With the sudden changes in regulations, the company is now behind the eight ball in compliance.
- put behind the eight ball
- get behind the eight ball
- already behind the eight ball
Examples
-
After losing funding for the project, we found ourselves behind the eight ball and struggled to meet deadlines.
-
I'm still behind the eight ball.
-
Unfortunately, I didn't learn this until many years into running the business, and it put me behind the eight ball several times.
Blog text (24) -
If your union has not started to have conversations about what you are going to do when your school district looks to cut 30-40 percent of its budget during the next 2-3 years, then you are already behind the eight ball.
Blog text (6) -
Maryland was once considered the leader for both; now, they’re arguably behind the eight ball in both circumstances.
Blog text (30) -
We're even more pressed for time and behind the eight ball than usual, so we'll dispense with the customary pleasantries and just dive right into the countdown of the Top Five Stories making news on this 15th day of November.
Blog text (21) -
Due to a late start in the project, the team is behind the eight ball and needs to work extra hours to catch up.
Synonyms
15
7.7
Very close to failure or defeat with little chance to recover
8
4.2
In a difficult situation that is hard to get out of
7
7.9
Helpless and unable to act because someone else is in control
7
8.0
In a difficult situation with little time or help
1
7.8
Put suddenly into a difficult situation without preparation or help
In a situation where you are unlikely to win
Antonyms
How Disadvantaged
- Informal
3
9.6
- Informal
8
4.2
∞
2.9
108
2.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
behind + the + eight-ball
The meaning ‘in a difficult or disadvantageous situation’ is idiomatic and tied to a cultural reference (pool/billiards) that a learner who only knows the literal words would not automatically infer. Knowing 'behind' and the parts of 'eight-ball' does not transparently yield the figurative sense, so B1 learners without exposure are unlikely to deduce the meaning.
Etymology
Behind the eight-ball comes from the game of pool. If your cue ball is stuck behind the eight-ball, you cannot make a clear shot and you are at a disadvantage, so the phrase means 'in a difficult situation'.