a sticky wicket



a sticky wicket

A particularly awkward or difficult situation or circumstance. (Generally used with on. Refers to the pitch, i.e., wicket, used in the game of cricket and the difficulty of playing on one after it has been wetted with rain.) Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I found myself on a bit of a sticky wicket when the boss saw me kissing his daughter at the cinema. I'll be batting on a sticky wicket if I arrive at the train station and don't have enough money for the tickets!
See also: sticky, wicket

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Iliyana-Bulgarian
Ladislao-Italian
ÉImhearEE-murIrish, Irish Mythology
Royce[rɔis]
Morwen-Cornish, Welsh
Dorita-English (Rare), Spanish