This phrase meaning "in a difficult situation" comes from the game of pool
This idiom probably refers to the game of pool, in which mismanaging the 
number... [DOC] [TLE] Online Glossary of Pool and Billiards Terms and Phrases [PAR] Nov 1, 2004 ... 10-ball: the pool game played with only the first ten balls (1-10), racked ..... come 
up dry: fail to pocket a ball on a break (analogous to coming up dry ...... safety: 
defensive position play shot where you leave your opponent in a difficult situation
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