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Old 10-Sep-2007, 20:21
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Question Idioms for stress/problems?

I'm compiling a list of all the idioms I can think of that are used to describe someone that is stressed out/burdened/has problems (particularly in business). This is what I have so far:

"In the weeds"
"In the rough"
"In a pickle"
"Albatross around you neck"
"At your wits end"

What am I missing?
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Old 10-Sep-2007, 21:18
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Default Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

You're up to your neck in it...
You're up S*** Creek without a paddle...
You're snowed under...
You're drowning in paperwork...
You've got too much on your plate...

NB: "albatross round your neck"; "at your wits' end".

All the best,

MrP
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Old 11-Sep-2007, 09:39
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Default Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

"To have your back against the wall"

"To be under the cosh"

"To have a hard row to hoe"

Another nautical one (like the albatross - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and search for "albatross"): 'In the Doldrums'

A few sporting ones:
Stymied (golf)
Behind the eight ball (pool)
Snookered (snooker)

b
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Old 11-Sep-2007, 14:38
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Default Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

Burned out

Run into the ground

Too much to do and too little time in which to do it.
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Old 11-Sep-2007, 16:35
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Smile Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

It's very helpful to me too,guys
Thanks very much


Thank you

I.A

Last edited by Veron1 : 11-Sep-2007 at 16:37. Reason: omiting 2 useless sentences
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Old 12-Sep-2007, 09:10
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Default Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

A few more:

Another sporting one: 'On the ropes' (boxing)

'[Go/be] belly-up'.
'[Be] dead in the water'

b

PS - These are all pretty serious - it's not just a question of having too much to do. But I've met them in a business context: 'John's proposal is dead in the water. The company's committed to Jane's idea.'

Last edited by BobK : 12-Sep-2007 at 09:14. Reason: Added PS
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Old 12-Sep-2007, 09:16
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Default Re: Idioms for stress/problems?

"To have one's work cut out'.

Example: The dead-line is very soon. We'll have our work cut out to get everything done in time.

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