in a pickle

in a pickle

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*in a (pretty) pickle

Fig. in a mess; in trouble. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~.) John has gotten himself into a pickle. He has two dates for the party. Now we are in a pretty pickle. We are out of gas.
See also: pickle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in a (real, right, etc.) ˈpickle

(informal) in a difficult situation; in a mess: Things are in a real pickle at the moment, I’m afraid. My assistant’s left and I’m completely lost without him! Can you help me? I’m in a bit of a pickle.
See also: pickle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be in a pickle
  • in a pickle, to be/get
  • pretty pickle
  • in a pretty pickle
  • play hide the pickle
  • pickle
  • rod
  • a rod in pickle
  • a pretty pass
  • be/get in a fix
References in periodicals archive
So, exactly what does it mean to be in a pickle? Or simply, what, is a pickle?
In a pickle