This phrase meaning "in a difficult situation" comes from the game of pool
[DOC] [TLE] phrase requests - What is the expression to describe that you are ... [PAR] in a difficult situation ... Well, "they" have indeed come, and five years later Iran 
finds itself cornered by an ... Etymology: from the game of pool (a game played on 
a special table with ... You could consider using in a fix/pickle/spot which means:.