strait
Translation
strait, predicament
Examples
The ship passed through the strait.
The ship passed through the strait.
The company is in dire straits.
The company is in dire straits.
Grammar Patterns
((the Strait of ...)) The Strait of (...) The ship sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar.
((in dire straits)) in a very difficult situation The business is in dire straits.
Similar Words
Synonyms: channel, sound (waterway); predicament, difficulty (situation)
Etymology
From Latin 'strictus' meaning 'tight, narrow'.
Memory Tips
Don't confuse with 'straight'. A 'strait' is a narrow, restricted place, like a 'strict' rule.