on a sticky wicket



on a sticky wicket

In the midst of or dealing with a particularly awkward or difficult situation or circumstance. (Refers to the pitch, called a "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: on, sticky, wicket

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Hewitt['hju:it]
Charon-Greek Mythology
Miljenko-Croatian
Aina (3)ah-ee-nah Japanese
GregorGRE-gawr (German)German, Scottish, Slovak, Slovene
Jeroenyə-ROONDutch