Home UK English in the cactus

Meaning of in the cactus in English:

in the cactus

phrase

informal Australian, New Zealand

  • In difficulty or trouble.

    • ‘he had promised to fetch Bobby by six; it was now close to midnight and he's in the cactus’
    • ‘She has very kindly given me a small wad of bills and I am no longer in the cactus.’
    • ‘The only certainty is uncertainty and we are in the cactus if things really turn to custard in Europe and the US.’
    • ‘Fine hold him for the police but throw him in the cactus you just got your boss a lawsuit.’
    • ‘He turned on his heel and walked out saying, "I'm in the cactus again."’
    • ‘"Victor, you've put us all in the cactus; thanks a bloody million!"’