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behind the eight ball

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
*behind the eight ball 
1. Fig. in trouble; in a weak or losing position. (Alludes to the eight ball in pool, which in certain games cannot be touched without penalty. *Typically: be ~; get ~; have someone ~; put someone ~.) I'm behind the eight ball again and can't see how to relieve my dilemma. John is behind the eight ball because he started writing his term paper far too late.
2. Fig. broke. Sorry, I'm really behind the eight ball this month. I can't make a contribution. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; have someone ~; put someone ~.) I was behind the eight ball again and couldn't make my car payment.
See also: ball, behind, eight

behind the eight ball
in a difficult situation Simpson's thoughtless remarks put him behind the eight ball, and many people thought he should resign.
Etymology: from the game of pool (a game played on a special table with sticks and numbered balls), in which you do not want to have any ball positioned behind the black ball marked with a number 8
See also: ball, behind, eight


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We fell behind the eight ball tonight and needed kind of a kick-start and I was able to provide that.
Worldwide shortages of high-quality big ore reserves have put companies behind the eight ball as they scramble to find new deposits.
firms are behind the eight ball, and it's also no surprise that they may benefit from private ownership.
 
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