behind the eight-ball
idiomPart ofeight-ball
behind the eight-ball — idiom
1. in a difficult or unfavourable situation where you are at a disadvantage compare
1.idiom
Definition
in a difficult or unfavourable situation where you are at a disadvantage compared to others — for example, falling behind on a deadline while others are ahead.
Example
After missing two payments on her loan, Noriko found herself behind the eight-ball with the bank.
The team was already behind the eight-ball when their star player got injured in the first game of the season.
Starting a new business without any savings put the founders behind the eight-ball from day one.
Jorge knew he would be behind the eight-ball if he did not finish the report by Friday morning.
The sudden snowstorm put every airline behind the eight-ball, causing delays across the country.