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Definition |
A situation deteriorates in an undesirable
way. |
Examples |
1) After years of chronic illness, my uncle's life has come to a
pretty pass. 2) The country has come to a pretty pass when
the government is unable to provide for its citizens." |
Etymology |
The term is believed to have emerged in the
late 16th or early 17th century in England. |
Synonyms |
at a critical stage, in a worrisome
situation |
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