in a tight spot

In a particularly difficult or awkward situation, especially one that is not easy to escape from or resolve. Jeremy's found himself in more tight spots since he left college than I care to recount. I just don't know what's going to become of that boy if he doesn't clean up his act soon. I'm going to be in quite a tight spot if this loan isn't approved.

in a tight ˈcorner/ˈspot

(informal) in a very difficult situation: He’s in a bit of a tight spot at the moment. The bank has given him one week to find $2 000.