get in the hole

slang

1. To get in debt. I got in the hole for nearly $15,000 after that trip to the casino. But we just got paid! How did you already get in the hole? I just paid off my student loans and have no desire to get in the hole like that again.

2. To come to be at a disadvantage when playing a sport, especially falling behind in points. Boy, they've really gotten in the hole early—down three goals in just the first period! It's hard to win games when you always get in the hole and have to make a comeback. Once I got in the hole early, I knew I'd have to play at my absolute best to have any shot at winning.