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/Sounds like "ehs" (as in "egg") + "TAHR" (as in "tar") + "KOHN" (as in "coat") + "EHL" (as in "egg") + "AH" (as in "art") + "gwah" (as in "Guam") + "AHL" (as in "art") + "KWEH" (as in "quest") + "yoh" (as in "yoke")/

Meaning

To be in an extremely difficult and urgent situation, on the verge of being overwhelmed by accumulated problems, debts, or pressures. The image of someone who can barely keep their head above water.

Examples

She is drowning in debt and has no idea how to get out.

The company is in dire straits and needs investment urgently.

In Ecuador, to be in serious trouble or a dead-end situation you can't escape. Used when someone is already caught in a mess with no way back.