Getting into trouble or difficult situation due to bad luck, a situation through which, one might not get out easily

Etymology:

  • This idiom was derived from the game of billiards. In a certain game, you hit the balls according to the numbers and put them in pockets. The eighth ball is pocketed in the end. But when, you are hitting a certain ball and it is close to number 8, you will get in difficulty. It would require a trick to put the other ballad and save 8th from going in.
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He was caught having a nap at his working place and his boss saw him now he is behind the eight ball.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Behind the Eight Ball':

behind the eight ballAt a disadvantage.
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Translation

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hinter dem achte ball

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    "Behind the Eight Ball." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/behind-the-eight-ball_44483>.

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    _____ don't fail me now.
    A Dice
    B Feets
    C Faith
    D Luck