eightball

/ˈeɪtˌbɔl/
noun
  1. The black ball numbered 8 in the game of pool (billiards), which must be pocketed last to win.
    • He carefully aimed at the eightball to win the game.
    • The eightball is the most important ball in pool.
    • She sank the eightball in the corner pocket and celebrated her victory.
  2. A situation where someone is at a disadvantage or in trouble (from the phrase 'behind the eightball').
    • She felt like she was behind the eightball with all the work piling up.
    • After missing the deadline, he found himself behind the eightball.
    • The team was behind the eightball after losing their first three games.
What does "eightball" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean