find oneself in a bind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find oneself in a bind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is in trouble or facing a difficult predicament. Example: "After losing his job unexpectedly, he found himself in a bind and had to quickly figure out how to pay his bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But zoos find themselves in a bind.

The Guardian

Boards around the world find themselves in a bind.

Harvard Business Review

If it stays that way, some banks may find themselves in a bind.

The Economist

Richard Strauss, an analyst with Goldman , Sachs said that Morgan Stanley could find itself in a bind if its market share in investment banking continued to fall.

The New York Times

They find themselves in a bind because, among other things, lenders require that their sublets be brought below a certain percentage.

The New York Times

As this digital due process plays out, the big music companies find themselves in a bind at least partly of their own making.

The New York Times

However, LBNE researchers may still find themselves in a bind.

Science Magazine

And if you do find yourself in a bind, get some help.

Forbes

For example, a beneficiary might find herself in a bind and need to liquidate an IRA to meet cash flow needs.

Forbes

Undocumented immigrants along the Gulf Coast might find themselves in a bind: Either flee the storm or face deportation.

Vice

Investors found themselves in a bind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "find oneself in a bind" when you want to express that someone is in a difficult situation, especially one that is unexpected or results from a particular set of circumstances. It's suitable for conveying a sense of being trapped or facing limited options.

Common error

Avoid using "find oneself in a bind" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "be in a difficult situation" or "face a predicament" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find oneself in a bind" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that someone is in a difficult or troublesome situation. It typically describes an unexpected or challenging predicament. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "find oneself in a bind" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe someone facing a difficult or restrictive situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts and registers, and can be replaced by alternatives such as "be in a difficult situation" or "face a predicament" to avoid repetition. Though examples are limited, the phrase remains a useful tool for expressing empathy or explaining problematic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in a difficult situation

Focuses on the state of being in a hard situation.

be in a tight spot

Emphasizes the limited space for maneuver or options.

face a predicament

Highlights the challenging and perplexing nature of the situation.

encounter difficulties

Broadly refers to the experience of facing problems.

get into trouble

Implies a situation involving potential negative consequences.

be up against it

Suggests facing significant challenges or obstacles.

be in dire straits

Indicates a very difficult or dangerous situation.

be between a rock and a hard place

Highlights being forced to choose between two unpleasant options.

be in a pickle

Suggests a tricky or awkward situation.

be in a jam

Implies being stuck in a problematic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "find oneself in a bind" in a sentence?

You can use "find oneself in a bind" to describe someone facing a challenging situation. For example: "After the company downsized, many employees "found themselves in a bind" trying to find new jobs".

What are some alternatives to "find oneself in a bind"?

Alternatives include "be in a difficult situation", "be in a tight spot", or "face a predicament". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "find oneself in a bind"?

Yes, "find oneself in a bind" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's an idiomatic expression that conveys a specific meaning.

What's the difference between "find oneself in a bind" and "be in a difficult situation"?

"Find oneself in a bind" often implies a sudden or unexpected difficulty, whereas "be in a difficult situation" is a more general way to describe facing challenges. The former suggests a sense of being trapped or constrained.