On this program , we tell about expressions and how they are used in American English . Preparing for this show is not always easy . Some expressions have complex roots . And Americans sometime use expressions in some situations , but not others . Every week I write and produce a new show . My goal is to have everything ready by Thursday . So , if I don't have my report written by Wednesday , I really feel behind the eight ball . In other words , I feel like I'm in a difficult situation . It will be hard to write the story , have an editor look at it and then produce it by Thursday night . I don't like to be behind the eight ball . The expression “behind the eight ball ” comes from the table game of pool . As you might know , pool is played with sixteen small , hard balls . Fifteen of the balls are either solid colored or have stripes and they all have numbers . The other ball , known as the cue ball , is white . Players strike the cue ball with the end of a long piece of wood , called a cue stick . You can play many different games on a pool table . One of them is called Eight Ball . In Eight Ball , players try to put the numbered balls into the pockets , with the eight ball the last to go in . If a player sinks the eight ball before all the other balls leave the table , he or she loses . You can put your opponent in a difficult position by leaving the cue ball behind the eight ball . The eight ball blocks your opponent . So , if you are behind the eight ball , you are in a bad position . There is almost no way out . Another expression from the world of games is nearly the same as being behind the eight ball . It is a sticky wicket . A sticky wicket is a difficult or sensitive situation . This term comes from the sport of cricket . In the case of this expression , the “wicket ” is part of the cricket field between the stumps – the poles or sticks stuck in the ground . The grass on the wicket is usually shorter than other grass or there might not be any grass at all . So , weather conditions may affect this area and how the ball moves . If the wicket is too wet or too dry , the ball can move in an unpredictable way . These days , cricket teams may use a cover for the wicket , but that hasn't affected the use of this expression . A sticky wicket is still pretty common in American English . However , if you don't want to use these expressions from the pool hall or cricket field , you can simply use the words dilemma or predicament . They also mean a difficult situation . First let's hear “sticky wicket .” What is wrong ? You look terrible . I have a really big problem . Why don't you tell me about it ? Maybe I can help . I took a co-worker to a friend's party over the weekend . Well , I saw him take something from my friend's house without asking . You mean , he stole something . And now , I have to say something to my co-worker . That really is a sticky wicket . I would not want to be in your position . Next , let's hear the expression “behind the eight ball .” I don't have that kind of money on hand . Why do you need $500 ? Well , I'm behind on my bills this month . See , I really like this girl . So , I've spent a lot of money on wining and dining her . And you didn't think of how much all those meals and drinks would cost ? You have really put yourself behind the eight ball ! Well , I am no longer behind the eight ball . But there is always next week to worry about ! Practice using “behind the eight ball ” or “sticky wicket ” in a sentence .