in the hole 负债

If someone says they are in the hole they mean they are in debt. And you might find this expression accompanied by a figure.

如果某人说他“in the hole”，就是说他负债了。

Examples:

I'm very worried. I have just lost my job and I'm $1,000 in the hole.

Economists are scratching their heads. The global recession has left many countries in the hole. Which ones are likely to regain prosperity?