Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
behind the eight-ball. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
behind the eight-ball, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
behind the eight-ball in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
behind the eight-ball you have here. The definition of the word
behind the eight-ball will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
behind the eight-ball, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Thought to derive from the game of Kelly pool, in which players assigned balls numerically higher than 8 — that is, balls that are behind the 8 ball in order — have little possibility of winning, or from eight-ball pool, where one cannot contact the eight ball on a shot before it is the legal ball, frustrating shots, or more generally, from the fact that the 8 ball is considered harder to aim at because of its color.
Pronunciation
Prepositional phrase
behind the eight-ball
- (idiomatic) In a difficult situation or tight spot; at a disadvantage.
- After his last two projects failed, he was really behind the eight-ball.
- He was desperate, playing behind the eight-ball.
Usage notes
- When modifying a noun, used in predicate position.
Synonyms