deep distress; great trouble; anguish
A yojijukugo describing a state of extreme distress or suffering, often with a sense of being at one's wit's end. Commonly used in set phrases like 青息吐息の状態.
The company's management is in a state of deep distress.
彼は借金で青息吐息だった。
He was in great distress because of his debts.