Snookered: meaning, definitions and examples
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snookered
[ ˈsnuːkərd ]
gambling slang
To be snookered means to be put in a difficult position where no effective action can be taken. It often implies being trapped or outmaneuvered, particularly in games like billiards where the cue ball is obstructed by other balls. The term can also be used more generally to describe a situation where someone is deceived or tricked, leading to a sense of helplessness. It highlights the feeling of being cornered or facing insurmountable odds.
Synonyms
cornered, deceived, outmaneuvered, trapped
Examples of usage
- I feel completely snookered after that last bet.
- She was snookered by the clever ruse.
- The player was snookered and had no valid shots.
- He was snookered in the negotiation.
- We were snookered into thinking it was a good deal.
Translations
Translations of the word "snookered" in other languages:
🇵🇹 encurralado
🇮🇳 फँस गया
🇩🇪 in die Enge getrieben
🇮🇩 terjebak
🇺🇦 загнаний в кут
🇵🇱 zablokowany
🇯🇵 行き詰まった
🇫🇷 coincé
🇪🇸 acorralao
🇹🇷 köşeye sıkışmış
🇰🇷 궁지에 몰린
🇸🇦 محاصر
🇨🇿 zahnáný
🇸🇰 zahnáný
🇨🇳 陷入困境
🇸🇮 ujet
🇮🇸 fastur
🇰🇿 бұғау
🇬🇪 კუთხეში ჩასმული
🇦🇿 sıxışdırılmış
🇲🇽 acorralado
Word origin
The term 'snookered' originates from the game of snooker, a cue sport that requires precision and strategy. The word 'snooker' itself was coined in the late 19th century by a British Army officer in India, who referred to inexperienced players as 'snookers.' The game has historical roots in billiards, which was played in the 15th century. As the game evolved, the term became synonymous with being unable to make a legal shot due to obstruction by the opponent’s balls on the table. Over time, 'snookered' expanded beyond its original meaning in snooker to describe any situation where someone feels trapped or outsmarted in various contexts, including gambling, negotiations, and general life challenges.