In a bind is an idiom that came into use about 150 years ago. We will examine the meaning of the idiom in a bind, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences.
To be in a bind means to be in a difficult, awkward, or embarrassing situation. The image is of one who is bound with ropes and cannot move or escape. Most often, the problem that puts one in a bind is monetary, but being in a bind can also be because of scheduling problems or situations one is trying to avoid. The expression in a bind came into use in the 1850s. Expressions with similar meanings are in a jam and in a tight spot.
Examples
Coronavirus: Singaporeans studying in US in a bind after Trump visa curbs (The Straits Times)
A request for additional fencing at Plummer Family Sports Park may put a committee in a bind. (The Edwardsville Intelligencer)
Along with that, we have a couple of individuals that have been injured, so that kind of put us in a bind too. (The Odessa American)
Keeping kids at home for distance learning could slow their educational process and social development, and it certainly puts their parents in a bind. (The Leavenworth Times)
Here are some other idioms we covered: