in the throes of

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العربية الفصحى
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/ɪn ðə θroʊz əv/
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Deep in a difficult or painful experience.
Practice using in the throes of in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • She was in the throes of a painful divorce.
  • The firm is in the throes of restructuring.
  • The city was in the throes of a housing crisis.
  • He spoke while in the throes of grief.
  • The country is in the throes of a recession.

Similar words

going through
caught up in
in the midst of

Meanings

Amid a severe struggle

difficult situations
formal
Experiencing a painful, disruptive, or demanding situation as it unfolds.

Examples

  • The country is in the throes of a recession.
  • She was in the throes of a painful divorce.
  • The firm is in the throes of restructuring.
  • He spoke while in the throes of grief.
  • The city was in the throes of a housing crisis.

Similar words

in the midst of
caught up in
going through

Etymology

Throes means intense pains or struggles. In the throes of places someone amid those struggles.

FAQ

What does in the throes of mean?

In the throes of means caught in a difficult or painful situation.

When is in the throes of used?

It often describes crises, grief, recession, or upheaval.

How does in the throes of differ from during?

During only locates an event in time; in the throes of conveys struggle.

How is in the throes of used in a sentence?

The country is in the throes of a recession.

Is in the throes of formal?

It is vivid and somewhat formal.

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