in the hole
Idioms-
In debt; in trouble, especially financial trouble. For example, Joan is too extravagant; she's always in the hole , or Buying all these Christmas presents will put us in the hole for the next few months . [ Colloquial ; early 1800s] Also see in a bind .
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In trouble in a competitive sport. For example, At three balls and no strikes, the pitcher's in the hole , or The batter's got two strikes on him; he's in the hole . [ Slang ; late 1800s]
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In a card game, scoring lower than zero. For example, Only one hand's been dealt and I'm already three points in the hole . This expression alludes to the practice of circling a minus score in the old game of euchre. The antonym for all three usages is out of the hole , as in It took careful financial management to get Kevin out of the hole , or An experienced pitcher often can manage to get out of the hole . Also see ace in the hole .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Although Johnston came off the bench, he was an ace in the hole whenever the Panthers needed one.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
When it’s all said and done, and the headphones have lost their charge, there’s nothing more for “Undertone” to do, no ace in the hole final punch to leave viewers breathless.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
It's just something thrown in the hole and just covered up.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
Have you also booked a “cheap” United flight only to realize that you’d be more than $100 in the hole if you wanted to bring a single piece of luggage with you to a wedding?
From Slate • Oct. 9, 2025
He stayed in the hole for three days.
From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
