A gamekeeper and his dog hunting out foxes in a hole
Today's Phrase
In American English, if someone says they are in the hole they mean they are in debt. And you might find this expression accompanied by a figure.
Examples:
I'm very worried. I have just lost my job and I'm $1,000 in the hole.
Economists are scratching their heads. The global recession has left many countries in the hole. Which ones are likely to regain prosperity?
Take note
If you pick holes in something, it means you find mistakes in something done or said by someone.
Example:
I think my professor is too hard on me. He keeps picking holes in my essays all the time.
Interesting fact
According to the website discoverwildlife.com, the diameter of foxes' holes is around 20cm. Foxes use holes mostly when breeding in the spring. At other times of year, they prefer to lie up above ground.
