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- be in dire straits
be in dire straits
be in dire straits
To be in a very bleak or grim situation. All of those recent layoffs indicate that the company is in dire straits. I was in dire straits there for awhile, but I'm feeling much better after my hospital stay.
be in dire straits
to be in a very difficult or dangerous situation The earthquake and the war will leave the country in dire straits for a long time. They are in dire financial straits.