What does it mean to be in a pickle?

But you know what it means: to be stuck in a difficult situation. English idioms are funny things, pulled out of the wordy hodgepodge of history, and "in a pickle" is one of the more obscure of the bunch.

Why is it called getting into a pickle?

If you are in a pickle, you are in a difficult position, or have a problem to which no easy answer can be found. The word 'pickle' comes from the Dutch word 'pekel', meaning 'something piquant', and originally referred to a spiced, salted vinegar that was used as a preservative.

What does it mean to put someone in a pickle?

to be in a difficult situation. to have a problem where there is no immediate answer or solution. to be in an unpleasant situation with no obvious way out.

Who coined the phrase I'm in a pickle?

shakespeare first said it. Meaning: a difficult or uncomfortable situation. In “The Tempest,” King Alonso asks his jester, Trinculo, “How camest thou in this pickle?” (In modern language, “how did you get so drunk?”) The drunk Trinculo responds, “I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last …” (Act 5, Scene 1).

Who coined the phrase I am in a pickle?

The term refers to being in pickling solution, presumably unpleasant. It was first used in English by William Shakespeare in The Tempest (1611), although the phrase had been used in Dutch earlier.

The Meaning and Origin of the Idiom "IN A PICKLE"

How do you get in a pickle?

1. To become involved in a difficult, problematic, or troublesome situation. Tom's father has a lot of influence in the community, so he always steps in whenever Tom gets in a pickle.

What does quite a pickle mean?

In a troublesome or difficult situation. The adjectives "pretty" and "right" are commonly used before "pickle." Boy, am I in a pickle—I accidentally made plans to meet with two different clients today. We're in a pretty pickle now because the hotel gave our room away. See also: pickle.

What do British people call pickles?

In the US a pickle is a cucumber that's been pickled, but in the UK such things are called dill cucumbers or, if they're not dill, pickled cucumbers. If you are American and like dill pickles, don't bother buying English ones, even if the bottle says kosher dills.

What means out on a limb?

In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position, as in I lodged a complaint about low salaries, but the people who had supported me left me out on a limb. This expression alludes to an animal climbing out on the limb of a tree and then being afraid or unable to retreat. [ Late 1800s]

Which kind of person is in a bit of a pickle '?

Summary. The phrase in a pickle is used to describe a person who is in a bothersome situation or who has a problem that is tricky to solve.

What is a pickle friend?

The definition of a pickle is an awkward or difficult situation. An example of a pickle is needing to help two friends, but only having time to help one. noun. 2.

Is in a pickle a metaphor?

But the metaphor got simplified after the phrase came to America. "In a pickle" came to mean "in a tough spot" -- much like a cucumber, stuck sitting in vinegary brine for days on end.

What does having cold feet mean?

Definition of cold feet

: apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.

What does hitting the nail on the head mean?

DEFINITION: It means “to do or say something that is exactly right.” You can use this phrase when someone finds the exact answer of a problem or a question. EXAMPLE: “You hit the nail on the head with this color of wallpaper for the living room; it looks better than I expected!”

What does breaking the ice mean?

To remove the tension at a first meeting, at the opening of a party, etc.: “That joke really broke the ice at the conference; we all relaxed afterward.”

What does it mean pushing the envelope?

To push the envelope means to surpass normal limits or attempt something viewed as radical or risky. It comes from the aeronautical use of envelope referring to performance limits that cannot be exceeded safely.

What does eaten me out of house and home mean?

To consume a great deal of someone's food: “Mrs. Baker complained that her three teenagers were eating her out of house and home.”