in the throes

Idioms  

1. In the midst of, especially of a difficult struggle. For example, The country was in the throes of economic collapse, or We were in the throes of giving a formal dinner when my in-laws arrived. The noun throe, meaning “a severe pang or spasm of pain,” was at first used mainly for such physical events as childbirth or dying. Today it is used both seriously (first example) and more lightly (second example). [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the throes

Europe is in the throes of a scorching heatwave, with temperature records expected to tumble in the coming days.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

It conjures a raucous, anachronistic world perpetually in the throes of breakdown.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

But by the time she became a mother, Cuba was in the throes of an economic crisis triggered by the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, its main trading partner and benefactor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2026

Australia's army is in the throes of a major transformation, equipping itself with long-range firepower, drones and other modern combat tools.

From Barron's ● Apr. 13, 2026

“Perhaps he is still in the throes of his moon-induced ‘condition.’

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood