(to be) behind the eight ball phrase
To be in a difficult situation or in trouble
He's behind the eight ball because of handing in his essay two weeks late.
The new clerk was behind the eight ball because she forgot to ask for a receipt for the money.
The economic crisis has put many businesses behind the eight ball.
To be broke
I'm behind the eight ball. Can you lend me twenty dollars?
I have to borrow some money from my dad. I'm behind the eight ball.
To punish someone or something harshly
Once something has been done, you can do nothing but face the consequences.
White lie
Act in a way that is likely to cause problems for you