throe

be in the throes of

To suffer from or struggle with something. I'm sorry I never called you back, I've been in the throes of illness for days. After being in the throes of decline for months, the economy is finally starting to recover.
See also: of, throe

in the throes of (something)

Suffering from or struggling with something. I'm sorry I never called you back—I've been in the throes of illness for days. They exhibit all the signs of a company in the throes of decline.
See also: of, throe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the throes

In the midst of, especially of a difficult struggle. For example, The country was in the throes of economic collapse, or We were in the throes of giving a formal dinner when my in-laws arrived. The noun throe, meaning "a severe pang or spasm of pain," was at first used mainly for such physical events as childbirth or dying. Today it is used both seriously (first example) and more lightly (second example). [Mid-1800s]
See also: throe
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

in the throes of something

COMMON If you are in the throes of doing or experiencing something, especially something difficult, you are busy doing it or are deeply involved in it. The boy's parents are in the throes of moving house and it seems they completely forgot about the arrangement. The stock market is in the throes of its worst ever crisis.
See also: of, something, throe
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

in the throes of something/doing something

doing a difficult task; experiencing a difficult period or event: The movie’s about a country in the throes of change. He’s in the throes of divorce at the moment.
See also: of, something, throe
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be in the throes of
  • in the throes
  • in the throes of (something)
  • in the throes of something
  • in the throes of something/doing something
  • skull-buster
  • skull-popper
  • it's too late for sorry
  • a run on (something)
  • a rush on (something)
References in periodicals archive
"A couple of people have mentioned to me, that with Glen as the CEO, you now as the chair, both from SWFT, there is a little concern that we here at the George are in the throes of a takeover, if you like, by SWFT," he said.
Concerns over Eliot takeover dismissed by new chairman
The very elated Emerhor said the exit of Uduaghan, therefore, meant that Delta PDP has become lifeless and in the throes of a degenerative death.
Uduaghan's defection: Delta PDP now lifeless, in the throes of death a Emerhor
The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territorie s said that Gaza Strip is in the throes of a humanitarian disaster.
The PA's wrongful actions towards Gaza residents does not mean Israel can shirk its responsibility for their fate
Bands taKing part in the live gig are Tara and the Wolves, MurKy Water and The Final Throes. KirKlees College houses professional level recording studios and rehearsal rooms, used for BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology level 3 and RocK School Music Diploma level 2, run at the Highfields Centre, Huddersfield.
Rocking around Christmas tree; Students' new record and festive gig
From a tongue-in-cheek allegory of China and Tibet to the playful account of a young Tibetan in the throes of love, Ma Yuan breaks with tradition and helps move Chinese literature into the twenty-first century.
Ma Yuan: Ballad of the Himalayas: Stories of Tibet
A source said: "Ronan and Storm could not keep their hands off one another - they're clearly in the first throes of love."
Can't Keat his hands off her
Landfall, Helen Gordon, Fig Tree, pounds 12.99 A 30-something journalist is in the throes of an existential crisis.
ChickLit
As we are in the throes of an Indian Summer the Co-operative has Fairtrade Chilean Merlot Ros 2010/11 at pounds 4.49 and Fairtrade Chilean Ros 2011 also available at pounds 4.49 down from pounds 5.99.
WINESONOFFER
He wasn't the only one to struggle on during the final throes of the game.
Jonas likely to be ready
REBELS fought their way into Muammar Gaddafi's heavily fortified compound last night as the Foreign Secretary William Hague said the Libyan dictator's regime was in its "death throes".
Gaddafi's regime in final 'death throes'
Syria is in the throes of an uprising against President Bashar Assad's rule.
Train track sabotaged in Syria derailing passenger train
Nick Clegg, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, has said that the government is in its "death throes".
UK PM in crisis amid resignations
A TEESSIDE man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted a woman while in the throes of a "major depressive episode" has been jailed.
Kidnap assault man is jailed
In the throes of pride over having elected our first Black president, it may be easy for some people to discount the ugly racism revealed in the run-up to Obama's win, like the antics of Diane Fedele.
Don't forget the Obama Bucks