ドツボにはまる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to be in deep trouble; to be in a real mess

Slangy, idiomatic expression for being stuck in a very bad situation. Often used when things have gone seriously wrong and escape seems difficult. The 'ドツボ' part comes from 'どつぼ' (mud pot or trap), emphasizing a deep, inescapable predicament.

See also: どつぼ

• 仕し事ごとでミスが続つづいて、完かん全ぜんにドツボにはまった。

  After a series of mistakes at work, I'm completely in deep trouble.

• あのプロジェクトは最さい初しょからドツボにはまってるよ。

  That project has been a total mess from the start.