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

“I’m dancing with a girl that I liked, but I was already in the throes of dating the one who became my wife, Lorenza.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

Guilfoyle’s diplomatic appointment came in the throes of a high-profile breakup.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

It has not yet reached its peak but Central America is already in the throes of a severe drought, prompting Honduras and El Salvador to also declare emergencies.

From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

I didn't bother pointing out that Canada wasn't in the throes of a war or revolution.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

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