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behind the eight ball
01
in a situation that involves difficulty, particularly one that is worse compared to that of others
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "behind the eight ball" and when to use it?
The idiom "behind the eight ball" has its roots in billiards or pool, where being behind the eight ball is a challenging position, as it limits the player's options for their next shot. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation where someone is in a difficult or unfavorable position, often due to past actions or circumstances, and faces an uphill struggle to improve their situation.
Example
Missing the deadline for the important project put the team behind the eight ball, and they had to work hard to catch up.
Many families in this country are still behind the eight ball and do not enjoy the same standard of living that other people enjoy.
Having to recover from a severe injury put the athlete behind the eight ball in terms of returning to peak performance.
With mounting debts and no savings, they felt like they were constantly behind the eight ball when it came to their financial goals.
After losing his job, he found himself behind the eight ball when it came to paying his bills and supporting his family.
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