in the hole

1. 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 .

2. 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 .

3. 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]

Example Sentences

He has also filled in seamlessly on defense for injured shortstop Miguel Rojas, preserving an early 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third Thursday by making a spinning throw to second on a ball deep in the hole for an inning-ending fielder’s choice.

From Los Angeles Times

After Freeman hustled to his right to field a ground ball in the hole and spin a throw to pitcher Evan Phillips covering first — “I was like, ‘Come on, you got to get there, you got to get there,’ Freeman recounted later with a laugh — the team’s other three infielders joined a mound visit between Phillips and catcher Will Smith.

From Los Angeles Times

"We all watched Liam's ball go onto the green, then up in the hole," he explained.

From BBC

It’s hard to argue with that, and Tester’s dire condition puts Democrats deep in the hole.

From Slate

With two out, Rivas had a chance to end the inning on a one-hopper from Hernández, but couldn’t make a backhanded play in the hole at shortstop, letting the ball trickle into the outfield for another run-scoring knock.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrears
• bill
• capital
• commitment
• credit
• damage
• deficit
• due
• indebtedness
• liability
• mortgage
• obligation
• price tag
• receipt