Question of the Day #904

“If you are being reactive, you are behind the eight ball,” Seal tells Euromoney.

From the 5th paragraph of this article at Euromoney.

  上記の文で、behind the eight ballの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "behind the eight ball" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

困った［困難な・不利な・まずい］状況で、窮地に陥って

   

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

In a challenging situation; at a disadvantage.

 

語源

英辞郎によると、

【語源】ビリヤードでは8番の玉を台のポケットに落としてはいけないというルールがあり、8番ボールの後ろに自分がいて、それを打つとまずいことになるところから。

 

Etymology

According to The Free Dictionary,

An "eight ball" is one of the numbered balls used in the game of pool, and the last one supposed to be hit into a pocket. If the eight ball is accidentally hit into a pocket prematurely, the player will lose, and it therefore needs to be avoided.

   

Examples

• Because I got the flu, I'm behind the eight ball with my Christmas shopping.
• If we don't leave early tomorrow, we'll be behind the eight ball, and I doubt we'll reach the cabin by dusk.
• If you don't get the investigation going right away, you put yourself behind the eight ball.
• Many families in this country are still behind the eight ball and do not enjoy the same standard of living that other people enjoy.
• A term, referring to the game of pool, meaning in an unfavorable or uncomfortable position: “After his unkind remarks were repeated to the boss, Gary really ended up behind the eight ball.”

   

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