in this pickle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in this pickle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe being in a difficult or troublesome situation. Example: "After forgetting my wallet at home, I found myself in this pickle when it was time to pay for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Most people won't be in this pickle.

The New York Times

You lot are the reason we're in this pickle".

The Guardian - Film

First, there is no reason that we should be in this pickle.

The New York Times

If the other Miliband had won, we wouldn't be in this pickle".

The Guardian - Books

He thinks that David's in this pickle because he got away with murder while he was growing up".

The New Yorker

The profession is in this pickle only because Andersen, the auditor of Enron and WorldCom, collapsed in 2002 after its conviction (later overturned) for obstruction of justice.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

What he doesn't explain is how Yahoo got into this pickle in the first place.

TechCrunch

Maybe websites can stop chasing reader engagement numbers long enough to own up to their role in contributing to this pickle of ugliness.

Huffington Post

I'll be out of this pickle in no time.

The New Yorker

Sharp and tangy rhubarb is a great vehicle for all the flavours in this fermented pickle, but any combination will work if you have more or less of the rhubarb, fennel or carrots.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The thing is, if she just calmed the fuck down for ten seconds, she wouldn't be in this violent pickle.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this pickle" to describe a situation that is not only difficult but also somewhat amusing or ironic. It adds a touch of levity to the description of a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "in this pickle" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this pickle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the state or condition someone or something is in. It typically indicates a difficult or awkward situation. Ludwig's examples confirm its common usage in describing problematic circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "in this pickle" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe being in a troublesome situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily within News & Media. While grammatically sound, its usage leans towards neutral-to-informal contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "in this predicament" are recommended. Avoid overuse to maintain writing freshness. In essence, "in this pickle" is a useful idiom for conveying difficulty with a touch of levity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a tight spot

Replaces 'pickle' with 'tight spot' to convey a sense of being in a difficult situation.

in a bind

Substitutes 'pickle' with 'bind', suggesting a constrained or difficult circumstance.

in a jam

Replaces 'pickle' with 'jam' indicating a problematic or awkward situation.

in a predicament

Uses 'predicament' instead of 'pickle' to denote a difficult or unpleasant situation.

in a difficult situation

Replaces the idiom with a more literal and straightforward description of the state.

in a tough spot

Uses 'tough spot' in place of 'pickle' to signify a challenging or unfavorable situation.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity of the situation by using 'dire straits'.

facing a dilemma

Highlights the aspect of having to choose between difficult options.

up against it

Replaces the idiom with a colloquial expression indicating facing significant challenges.

between a rock and a hard place

Conveys a situation where one is faced with two equally unpleasant options.

FAQs

How can I use "in this pickle" in a sentence?

Use "in this pickle" to describe a difficult or awkward situation you or someone else is facing. For example, "After missing the train, I found myself "in this pickle" with no way to get to the meeting on time."

What's a less idiomatic alternative to "in this pickle"?

If you want to avoid idioms, you can use phrases like "in a difficult situation" or "facing a problem" which are more straightforward and less colorful.

Is "in a pickle" the same as "in this pickle"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "in this pickle" refers to a specific, current situation, whereas "in a pickle" is more general. For example, "I'm in a pickle" suggests a habitual state of difficulty, while "I'm in this pickle" emphasizes a particular instance.

What can I say instead of "in this pickle" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "in this predicament" or "in these circumstances" which carry a similar meaning but are more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.