pickle barrel

• Tonneau utilisé pour conserver ou fermenter des pickles (cornichons ou légumes marinés). Peut aussi désigner, de manière figurée et désuète, une situation difficile ou embarrassante.

A barrel used for storing or fermenting pickles; also used figuratively in historical contexts to refer to a difficult or awkward situation, though this usage is now largely outdated.

1. Container for picklesB1formal

   A barrel used to store or transport pickles.

   Baril de cornichons

   • The old pickle barrel sat in the corner of the shop.
   • They bought a pickle barrel for the county fair.
   • The pickle barrel was filled with brine and cucumbers.

2. Difficult situation (idiom)B2informalamerican

   A problematic or challenging situation, often used in the phrase 'in a pickle'.

   situation difficile

   • He found himself in a real pickle barrel when his car broke down.
   • She got into a pickle barrel with the tax authorities.
   • The team was in a pickle barrel after losing their star player.