the world > action or operation > difficulty > present difficulties [verb (intransitive)] > be in difficulties or straits > be in a difficult or dangerous situation (2)
Phrases. to haveor hold a wolf by the ears: to be in a precarious situation or predicament (see quots.).
to hang by the eyelids and variants: (a) intransitive to have a very slight hold (literal and figurative); to be in or maintain a precarious…