Zoeken
in dire straits
01
a situation with a lot of difficulties
What is the origin of the idiom "in dire straits" and when to use it?
The idiom "in dire straits" has its origins in the nautical world. "Straits" refer to narrow, difficult-to-navigate water passages, and "dire" means extremely serious or urgent. The phrase is used to describe a situation marked by extreme difficulty, danger, or adversity, where someone is facing serious and urgent problems or hardships.
Voorbeeld
After losing his job and facing mounting bills, he found himself in dire straits financially.
The firm is in dire straits and may go bankrupt.
The charity provided assistance to families in dire straits, helping them with basic necessities.
The company's mismanagement left it in dire straits, with bankruptcy looming.
When the hurricane hit, the community came together to support those in dire straits.
