adv. or adj. phr. , informal 1a. Having a score lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below zero. John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the card game. 1b. Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game. We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one out.
Compare: ON THE SPOT. 2. In debt; behind financially. John went in the hole with his hot dog stand. It's a lot easier to get in the hole than to get out again.
Compare: IN A HOLE, IN THE RED.
Antonym: OUT OF THE HOLE.