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3. in dire straits

in dire straits

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in dire straits

Fig. in a very serious, bad circumstance. We are nearly broke and need money for medicine. We are in dire straits.

See also: dire, strait

in dire straits

in extreme danger or difficulty Officials in Washington say the peace process is in dire straits.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the forms dire economic straits or dire financial straits: He's been out of work for eight months, and his family is in dire financial straits.

See also: dire, strait