hard pressed

/hɑrd prɛst/
adjective
  1. In a difficult situation because of lack of time, money, or other resources.
    • The teacher was hard-pressed to finish grading all the exams before the deadline.
    • The family was hard-pressed to pay their bills after the father lost his job.
    • Hard-pressed farmers struggled to keep their crops alive during the drought.
  2. Under great pressure or strain; having difficulty doing something.
    • She was hard-pressed to explain why she had arrived so late to the meeting.
    • You would be hard-pressed to find a better pizza in this town.
    • The team was hard-pressed to score a goal against the defending champions.
What does "hard pressed" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean