Situation Idioms

Page 1 of 3

paint oneself into a corner

Meaning: To put yourself in a situation where you have no good choices left.

Example: After promising to deliver the project early, she painted herself into a corner and had to work all weekend. Read more ➺


close quarters

Meaning: Immediate contact or close range, especially physical proximity.

Example: The two wrestlers came into close quarters on the mat, leaving no room to escape. Read more ➺


on the horns of a dilemma

Meaning: Forced to choose between two equally bad or undesirable options.

Example: She found herself on the horns of a dilemma, unsure whether to follow her heart or her family's wishes. Read more ➺


hope against hope

Meaning: To keep hoping even when the situation seems hopeless.

Example: She waited by the phone, hope against hope that her son would call. Read more ➺


fall into place

Meaning: To start working correctly or successfully.

Example: After weeks of confusion, the project finally began to fall into place. Read more ➺


grave moment

Meaning: A very serious or critical point in time.

Example: The grave moment came when the doctors had to decide whether to operate immediately. Read more ➺


between Scylla and Charybdis

Meaning: Facing two dangerous options where avoiding one brings you closer to the other.

Example: The company was between Scylla and Charybdis: raise prices and lose customers, or keep them the same and face bankruptcy. Read more ➺


it is what it is

Meaning: Accepting a situation as it is, even if it's not ideal.

Example: It is what it is, and no amount of arguing will change the canceled flight. Read more ➺


perfect storm

Meaning: A critical or disastrous situation arising from the powerful convergence of multiple factors.

Example: The economic downturn, coupled with rising unemployment and inflation, created a perfect storm for the nation's financial crisis. Read more ➺


through thick and thin

Meaning: stay committed under all conditions, no matter how challenging or difficult.

Example: My best friend has supported me through thick and thin. Read more ➺


Share
Share