In a jam.
In trouble or a difficult situation.
When someone says they're 'in a jam,' they're not stuck in a jar of preserves, but rather caught in a tricky situation. This idiom reflects an immediate need for problem-solving. For instance, if you forgot to study for a major test and it’s tomorrow, you're definitely 'in a jam'. The visual analogy evokes the idea of being physically trapped, which mirrors the emotional experience of stress during difficult times.
Example Sentences
I'm really in a jam with this deadline approaching.
I'm in a difficult situation with a deadline approaching.
He found himself in a jam when his car broke down.
He encountered a problem when his car broke down.
She was in a jam trying to balance work and family obligations.
She is struggling to manage work and family duties.
