In a hole Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Pit Imagine being stuck in a physical pit; it represents being trapped in life's problems. I'm in a hole with all this work; I can't see a way out. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight This phrase often carries a sense of despair or helplessness. She felt in a hole after failing her exam. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Remember, it's used figuratively, not for someone physically being in a hole. I didn't literally fall in a hole; it's just a lot of unexpected bills.