in a corner

In a particularly difficult or awkward situation, especially one that is not easy to get out of. Jeremy's found himself in more tight corners since he left college than I care to recount. I just don't know what's going to become of that boy if he doesn't clean up his act soon. I'm going to be in quite a corner if this loan isn't approved.

COMMON If you are in a corner or in a tight corner, you are in a situation which is difficult to deal with or escape from. The government is in a corner on interest rates and the same could well happen on fiscal policy. I knew I was in a tight corner and that everything depended upon my keeping my head. Note: You can also say that someone backs you into a corner or forces or drives you into a corner, meaning they put you in a situation which is difficult to deal with or escape from. I am not unreasonable but I don't like people forcing me into a corner. Medical organizations found themselves backed into a corner. Note: If something gets you out of a corner or out of a tight corner, it helps you to escape from or deal with a difficult situation. The South African move has got English cricket officials out of a tight corner.