in Dutch
In trouble.
George got in Dutch with his father when he broke a window.
John was in Dutch with his mother because he tore his new jacket.
in a bad frame of mind
In an unhappy mood.
Make sure the boss is not in a bad frame of mind when you ask him for a raise.
in a bad way
In trouble or likely to have trouble.
If you have only those two girls to help you, you are in a bad way.
Jerry has written only one sentence of his term paper that is due tomorrow, and he knows he is in a bad way.
Mrs. Jones has cancer and is in a bad way.
A new supermarket opened across the street, and the Peters' grocery business was soon in a bad way.
in a big way
As fully as possible; with much ceremony.
Our family celebrates birthdays in a big way.
John likes to entertain his dates in a big way.
in a bind
in a box
Likely to have trouble whether you do one thing or another.
Sam is in a bind because if he carries home his aunt's groceries, his teacher will be angry because he is late, and if he doesn't, his aunt will complain.
in a circle
in circles
go in a circle
go in circles
go around in circles
Without any progress; without getting anywhere; uselessly.
The committee debated for two hours, just talking in circles.
If you don't have a clear aim, you can work a long time and still be going in circles.
He seemed to be working hard, but was just running around in circles.
in a family way
in the family way
Going to have a baby.
Sue and Liz are happy because their mother is in the family way.
The Ferguson children are promising kittens to everyone because their cat is in a family way.
in a fix
In trouble.
Last night Jack wrecked his car and now he is in a fix.