(ˈeɪtˌbɔːl) n1. (Billiards & Snooker) (in pool) the black ball, marked with the number eight2. behind the eight ball in a difficult situation; snookered
eight•ball
(ˈeɪtˌbɔl)
n. 1. (in pool) a black ball bearing the number eight. 2. Slang. a misfit. Idioms: behind the eightball, in a difficult or unsolvable situation; stymied. [1930–35, Amer.]