This expression means to be in a quandary or in a difficult position. It alludes to the pickling liquid made from brines and vinegar which is used to preserve food, and presumably to the imagined difficult of being stuck in such. The phrase comes from Dutch, where it was known by 1561. William Shakespeare was the first writer who used the saying in English in 'The Tempest' in 1611.

Übersetzung:

in der Patsche sitzen

Gegenteil(e)

The opposite of "to be in a pickle" is "to have no difficulties".

Synonym(e):

You could also say: to be in a jam.