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
AdriaanAHD-ree-ah:nDutch
GranvilleGRAN-vilEnglish
Arnott['a:nət]
Yedidyah-Biblical Hebrew
EdvÁRd-Hungarian
Markuss-Latvian