in a wringer
1
9.3
- idiom
- Informal
- Whenever deadlines pile up, I always end up in a wringer trying to get everything done.
Examples
-
She was in a wringer after being questioned by the police for hours.
-
After his boss found out about the mistake, he really felt in a wringer at work.
-
Mark is in a wringer.
-
She was really in a wringer during the exam week.
-
Whenever deadlines pile up, I always end up in a wringer trying to get everything done.
-
She was in a wringer after being questioned by the police for hours.
-
She was really in a wringer during the exam week.
Synonyms
20
4.1
In trouble because you did something wrong
15
8.3
In trouble and not sure what to do
9
4.2
In a difficult situation that is hard to get out of
1
9.1
Feeling very tired and stressed because of strong pressure
1
7.2
In a difficult situation with little time or money
1
8.4
Feeling overwhelmed by many confusing problems you cannot control
1
7.8
Put suddenly into a difficult situation without preparation or help
Antonyms
How Stressed
Surface Forms
Morphology
in + a + wringer
The noun 'wringer' literally denotes a device that squeezes or presses, so the image of being 'in a wringer' evokes being squeezed or put under pressure; this metaphorical mapping is accessible if a learner knows 'wringer'. However, the phrase is idiomatic and somewhat culture-specific/unfamiliar, so the exact idiomatic sense ('in a difficult or stressful situation') is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure.
Etymology
In a wringer comes from old washing machines where wet clothes were put between two rollers called a wringer, which squeezed the water out. So, saying someone was 'in a wringer' gives the picture of being squeezed and worn out, and now it means being in a very difficult or stressful situation.