THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In a bind
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
In a difficult situation with no easy or attractive choice.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I am in a bind because both interviews are at the same time.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I am ________ because both interviews are at the same time.
Show the answer
In a bind — In a difficult situation with no easy or attractive choice.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In a bind” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
In a difficult situation with no easy or attractive choice.
Compare: I am in a bind because both interviews are at the same time.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use it conversationally when a practical problem leaves you stuck, such as competing commitments or a shortage of money or help.
More examples in context
- The delayed payment left our small club in a financial bind.
- We were in a bind when the van broke down and the equipment still needed moving.
Usage note
Say in a bind, including a. The phrase describes a difficult position; it does not mean being physically tied up.
A short conversation
A: Can you cover my shift this afternoon?
B: I am in a bind. I promised to collect my nephew at that time.
A: I will ask someone else.
One more practice question
Who is in a bind?
A. Someone facing two important commitments at exactly the same time.
B. Someone with no commitments, problems or difficult choices.
Check your answer
A. The clashing commitments create a difficult situation without an easy solution.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.