In a box


adjective phrase

In a very tight and awkward situation; stalled by a dilemma; in a box: I’m in a bind, damned if I do and damned if I don’t

[1940s+ Loggers; fr the situation of a logger whose saw is caught and held tight by the weight of a tree or branch]

adverb phrase

In an awkward situation; in a bind: No, and don’t put me in a box

Related Terms

go home feet first

[1913+; the related and perhaps original sense ”short of money” is found by 1891]

Read Also:

  • In a breeze

    see under hands down

  • In a bucket

    Related Terms for crying out loud

  • Inaccessibility

    [in-uh k-ses-uh-buh l] /ˌɪn əkˈsɛs ə bəl/ adjective 1. not accessible; unapproachable. /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbəl/ adjective 1. not accessible; unapproachable adj. early 15c., from Middle French inaccessible (14c.), from Late Latin inaccessibilis “unapproachable,” from in- “not” (see in- (1)) + accessibilis (see accessible). Related: Inaccessibly; inaccessibility. Earlier in same sense was unaccessible (c.1400).

  • Inaccessible

    [in-uh k-ses-uh-buh l] /ˌɪn əkˈsɛs ə bəl/ adjective 1. not accessible; unapproachable. /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbəl/ adjective 1. not accessible; unapproachable adj. early 15c., from Middle French inaccessible (14c.), from Late Latin inaccessibilis “unapproachable,” from in- “not” (see in- (1)) + accessibilis (see accessible). Related: Inaccessibly; inaccessibility. Earlier in same sense was unaccessible (c.1400).

  • Inaccuracy

    [in-ak-yer-uh-see] /ɪnˈæk yər ə si/ noun, plural inaccuracies for 1. 1. something ; error. 2. the quality or state of being . /ɪnˈækjʊrəsɪ/ noun (pl) -cies 1. lack of accuracy; imprecision 2. an error, a mistake, or a slip n. 1701, “quality or condition of being inaccurate,” from inaccurate + -cy. As an example of […]


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