put in a bind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put in a bind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is in a difficult or challenging position, often with limited options. Example: "When the project deadline was moved up unexpectedly, I found myself put in a bind trying to meet the new timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He was put in a bind.

The New Yorker

The school district has been put in a bind: shut the program down or lose state financing.

The New York Times

Of course, employers can be put in a bind when workers take maternity time, and keeping a pregnant woman on the payroll can be an economic drag, especially if companies offer decent paid leaves.

The New York Times

And to reject the Anglo-Australian firm's bid would send an unwelcoming message to foreign investors, upsetting Canada's business leaders, who had asked the government not to intervene.However, Mr Harper was put in a bind when Brad Wall, the premier of PotashCorp's home province of Saskatchewan, asked him to block the deal.

The Economist

Mactaggart's proposal would have been even more restrictive, so lawmakers were put in a bind.

TechCrunch

Most women, in fact, are put in a bind -- balancing work and family and home responsibilities -- not in executive candidate binders.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He was hunted down by the new regime, drugged, gagged and put in a diplomatic crate bound for Nigeria.

The Economist

We put ourselves in a bind.

The New York Times

The injunction put King in a bind.

The New Yorker

That put San Francisco in a bind.

The Economist

That could put us in a bind".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put in a bind" when you want to emphasize the action of someone or something causing a difficult situation, rather than simply describing the state of being in a difficult situation. For example: "The unexpected budget cuts put the department in a bind."

Common error

Avoid using "put in a bind" when you only want to describe a difficult situation without implying that someone or something caused it. Instead, consider using phrases like "in a difficult situation" or "facing challenges".

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "put in a bind" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating it describes the act of causing someone to be in a difficult or constrained situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put in a bind" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic expression used to describe the act of placing someone in a difficult or restrictive situation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While not overly common, it's frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing the cause of the difficult situation. Alternatives like "in a difficult position" or "between a rock and a hard place" can be used for a similar meaning. Ultimately, understanding the subtle nuances of "put in a bind" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between a rock and a hard place

Uses a common idiom to illustrate a situation with two equally unpleasant choices.

on the horns of a dilemma

Illustrates a situation with two equally unpleasant choices.

in a tough spot

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

in a difficult position

Focuses on the state of being challenged rather than the action of being placed there.

in a tight corner

Suggests being trapped or having limited options.

in a predicament

Highlights the puzzling and complex nature of the situation.

in a fix

A more informal way of saying someone is in a problematic situation.

in a jam

Similar to "in a fix", suggesting a sticky situation.

in a dilemma

Highlights the need to choose between equally unfavorable options.

up against it

Indicates facing significant challenges or obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "put in a bind" in a sentence?

You can use "put in a bind" to describe a situation where someone is placed in a difficult or restrictive position. For example, "The new regulations put the company in a bind."

What does it mean to be "put in a bind"?

To be "put in a bind" means to be placed in a difficult situation where you have limited options or choices, often due to conflicting demands or constraints.

What are some alternatives to saying "put in a bind"?

You can use alternatives like "in a difficult position", "in a tough spot", or "between a rock and a hard place" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "put in a bind" or "in a difficult situation"?

The choice depends on the context. "Put in a bind" emphasizes the action of being placed into a difficult situation, while "in a difficult situation" simply describes the state of being in a difficult position.