phrase🎓 English idiom
in the same boat
in the same difficult situation
What it means
Sharing the same difficult or unfortunate situation as others. It is used to express solidarity, emphasising that everyone involved faces the same problem.
Examples
- Don't worry about the rising rent; we're all in the same boat here.
- When the company cut hours, every employee was suddenly in the same boat.
- I understand your frustration with the delays, because we're in the same boat.
- Students struggling with the new system can relax knowing they're in the same boat.
Where it comes from
An ancient image traceable to classical Greek and Roman writers, evoking passengers sharing the same risks aboard a single vessel.
Related idioms
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