IN THE HOLE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

in the hole

In a card game, scoring lower than zero. For example, Only one hand's been dealt and I'm already three points in the hole . This expression alludes to the practice of circling a minus score in the old game of euchre. The antonym for all three usages is out of the hole , as in It took careful financial management to get Kevin out of the hole , or An experienced pitcher often can manage to get out of the hole . Also see ace in the hole .
In debt; in trouble, especially financial trouble. For example, Joan is too extravagant; she's always in the hole , or Buying all these Christmas presents will put us in the hole for the next few months . [ Colloquial ; early 1800s] Also see in a bind .
In trouble in a competitive sport. For example, At three balls and no strikes, the pitcher's in the hole , or The batter's got two strikes on him; he's in the hole . [ Slang ; late 1800s]

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Observers point to Larry Ellison’s prominent support of Trump as Skydance’s ace in the hole.

From

Earlier on Tuesday, rescuers found a mobile phone and the motorcycle in the hole which is 20m wide and 20m deep, according to local media.

From

The retail model allows small business owners to fully sell through their inventory without falling prey to pop-up events that typically leave them in the hole, Brooms said.

From

Muncy and new shortstop Mookie Betts have also worked to build a rapport on the left side of the infield, spending their first few weeks at Camelback Ranch learning one another’s tendencies on ground balls in the hole.

From

“How to make sure the game doesn’t get big on you, that it doesn’t speed up on you. How to attack the hitters, knowing who’s in the batter’s box, who’s on deck, who’s in the hole, knowing your strengths, knowing the batters’ strengths, when not to worry about the base runners … a lot of things.”

From

Related �y��vlogs

Browse