In a pickle
/ɪn ə ˈpɪkl̩/informalUK · US
What does “In a pickle” mean?
In a pickle means to be in a difficult or awkward situation
You have locked your keys inside and the spare key is with a friend who is away. That leaves you in a pickle: there is a problem, and no easy next step.
The phrase often makes a complaint sound less dramatic. It says nothing about whether the trouble was your fault.
When do people say it?
A light, informal way to describe a problem. It often suggests a manageable mess, so it may sound too casual for a serious emergency.
“I’m in a pickle: I’ve locked myself out and my phone is inside.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
“Pickle” names food preserved in vinegar and also has an old trouble-or-mess sense. The exact story behind the figurative phrase is uncertain.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “In a pickle” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Between a rock and a hard place, Caught between two bad choices.
Last updated 2026-11-13