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to bat on a sticky wicket
01
to be dealing with a critical or extremely difficult situation
![to [bat|be] on a sticky wicket definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42066/original/?type=jpeg "to [bat|be] on a sticky wicket definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "bat on a sticky wicket" and when to use it?
The idiomatic expression "bat on a sticky wicket" has its origins in the sport of cricket. In cricket, a "sticky wicket" refers to a pitch that has become wet or damp, making it challenging for batsmen to play and for bowlers to grip the ball. This condition results in unpredictable and difficult play. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is in a difficult, challenging, or precarious position.
Example
In the competitive job market, finding a position that matches your qualifications can be like batting on a sticky wicket.
I knew I was batting on a sticky wicket when the boss saw me kissing his daughter at the cinema.
Trying to navigate the complex world of international trade, the negotiators were on a sticky wicket.
