in dire straits

phrase

: in a very bad or difficult situation
With its best player out of the game, the team found itself in dire straits.

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Cite this Entry

“In dire straits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20dire%20straits. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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