jam
61
6.1
- noun
- /dʒæm/
- Informal
:
apuro
- HENRY: Dear Max, I know it's been many years since we last spoke, but I find myself in a bit of a jam, and I'm afraid I need your help.
It's called In a Jam by Kate Canterbury.
- It's called In a Jam by Kate Canterbury.
Examples
-
I helped you out of a jam one time.
-
You're in a jam and you know it.
-
Just walking through, just finding yourself in jam after jam.
-
- The one you helped out of a jam, yeah?
-
Listen, I think I can help you get out of this jam.
-
I'm in a jam with these guys.
-
Actually, I was in a jam with this upcoming show, but I think I solved my problem already.
Fiction book (1998) -
Though she was in a jam, neither Shook nor her family figured she would go to prison.
Academic text (2005) -
Let's see if Naz can get his team out of a jam.
-
When I found myself in a jam, my friend came to the rescue.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A situation in which things are untidy and confused
457
6.0
A weak point in an argument or plan
81
6.0
A difficult situation that is hard to change
48
6.0
A difficult situation that is hard to get out of
14
6.7
In trouble and needing help to fix a problem
9
5.0
A confused, disorganized situation where things are not in order
2
8.6
A difficult situation that causes trouble
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
- Informal
9
3.9
A meeting of musicians who make up music and play together without planning
3
1.0
A sweet spread people make from strawberries and sugar to put on bread or pastries
How Difficult
Surface Forms
Etymology
Jam for a difficult situation comes from the picture of being pressed into a 'tight' spot and unable to move. So when you are in a jam, you are in trouble or a hard position and need a way out.