IDIOM behind the eight ball Meaning If you're behind the | Proverbs and Idioms

IDIOM

behind the eight ball

Meaning
If you're behind the eight ball, you're in a difficult or dangerous position.

For example

The economic recession has really put our new business behind the eight ball. Nobody's spending money.

Origin
From a version of pool in which the balls are numbered and must be potted in order. A player loses if he hits the black eight ball in first, so if the cue ball is "behind the eight ball" he's in a dangerous position.

Variety
This idiom is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.
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