kuopissa

Kuopissa is the inessive plural form of the Finnish noun kuoppa, meaning a pit or hole. Literally, kuopissa means “in the pits” or “in the holes.” In ordinary usage it describes being located inside several pits or holes, but it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe being in trouble, difficulty, or a bad situation.

Etymology and grammar: Kuoppa is a simple Finnish noun, and the inessive case marks location. The singular form is kuopassa (in the pit), while the plural form kuopissa means “in the pits.” The expression is typical of colloquial Finnish and appears in both concrete and figurative contexts.

Usage and nuance: Kuopissa is frequently used to convey that someone or something is in a difficult position. It can refer to people, organizations, or situations. While it can describe physical pits in a literal sense, its figurative use is more common in everyday speech and writing. The phrase carries a slightly informal tone and is often used when discussing troubles, setbacks, or downturns.

Examples of usage (translated):

- Olen kuopissa. — I am in trouble.

- Yritys on kuopissa. — The company is in trouble.

- Tilanne on kuopissa, mutta löydämme ratkaisun. — The situation is in trouble, but we will find a solution.

See also: ahdingossa, vaikeuksissa, tilanne ja haasteet. These related terms describe difficult circumstances or adversity in Finnish.