Behind the eight ball

Being in a highly disadvantageous, difficult, or losing position from which it is very hard to escape.

Origin and Meaning

• The Source: The phrase comes from the game of pool (specifically eight-ball).
• The Rule: In this game, if your cue ball is trapped directly behind the black 8-ball, you cannot hit it directly without causing a penalty.
• The Result: You are left with almost no good options, facing a nearly impossible shot.

Usage

• With the deadline tomorrow and our server down, we are really behind the eight ball.
• He didn't study for the final exam, so he started the class already behind the eight ball.