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in dire straits
01
a situation with a lot of difficulties
IdiomWhat 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.
Examples
The firm is in dire straits and may go bankrupt.
After losing his job and facing mounting bills, he found himself in dire straits financially.
