be screwed
Definition
The meaning: Be screwed is a slang expression meaning to be in serious trouble, often because something has gone wrong or there’s no way out of a bad situation.
La signification: L'expression familière anglaise be screwed signifie être dans le pétrin, être fichu ou être coincé. Elle est utilisée lorsqu'une situation semble sans issue ou très compliquée.
Note: This phrase is informal and can sometimes be considered mildly vulgar depending on the context. It's commonly used in everyday spoken English.
Word Analysis
French synonyms » Être dans le pétrin » Être foutu » Ne plus avoir d’option » Être coincé » C’est foutu A: Si on n’a pas le rapport avant midi, on est fichus. B: Exactement. On va être dans le pétrin. English synonyms » Be in trouble » Be doomed » Be in a bind » Be in a bad spot » Be stuck A: If they cancel the funding, we’ll be screwed. B: Yeah, there’s no backup plan.
Dialogue
Nina: "The client just asked for a full redesign two days before the deadline." Tom: "What? With no extra time?" Nina: "Exactly. If we don’t pull this off, we’ll be screwed." Tom: "Then we’d better get started. No sleep tonight!"
Etymology
Origin: The expression be screwed comes from American slang and likely derives from the physical sense of being “tightened” or “trapped” by a screw. Over time, it evolved to mean being stuck or in a difficult position with no good outcome. It has been in use since the early 20th century and is often associated with informal speech.
Audience
The phrase "be screwed" is widely used in everyday English, particularly in informal contexts, across both American and British varieties.
When to use: Use this expression when something has gone wrong and you’re in trouble, especially in casual conversations. For example: "If the boss sees this, we’ll be screwed." It’s popular in youth and workplace slang, but may be considered a bit too strong in very formal or polite settings.
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says it means "To be cheated or swindled; to be unfairly deprived or taken advantage of." Or "To have no chance of success or recovery; to be in a hopeless or unsalvageable position or situation." Here's a provided example of use:
"Man, we are totally screwed if we can't get this prototype working before the big presentation."
News Snippet
"It seems that whichever way we turn we are screwed. As an electorate, we do not seem to have any clear and simple options. However, being the eternal optimist that I am, I refuse to give in and give up on our struggle for true freedom and a better life for all. "
Read the full article at the Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "To Be Screwed"
To Be Screwed
A slang expression meaning to be in serious trouble or facing a bad situation, often one that's unavoidable or unfair.
Example: "If we miss the deadline, we're screwed."
To Be in Hot Water
To be in trouble or facing difficulties, often because of something one has done.
Example: "He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the meeting."
To Be Up the Creek Without a Paddle
A humorous idiom meaning to be in a difficult or hopeless situation with no easy way out.
Example: "If the funding falls through, we’re up the creek without a paddle."
To Be in a Pickle
To be in a tricky or problematic situation.
Example: "We’re in a pickle now that both suppliers have backed out."
To Be Doomed
To be destined for failure or a bad outcome, often used in a dramatic or exaggerated way.
Example: "Without a backup plan, we’re doomed."
To Be Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place
To be faced with two equally difficult or undesirable choices.
Example: "She’s caught between a rock and a hard place—either quit or take the demotion."
To Be Backed into a Corner
To be forced into a difficult situation with limited options or control.
Example: "We were backed into a corner and had no choice but to accept the deal."
To Have One's Hands Tied
To be unable to act freely or help in a situation due to restrictions or obligations.
Example: "I want to help, but my hands are tied by company policy."
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