straits

(noun) a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs. Synonyms: pass, strait.

(noun) a difficult juncture. Synonyms: pass, head. Examples: "A pretty pass." "Matters came to a head yesterday."

(noun) a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water. Synonyms: strait, sound.

(noun) a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs. Synonyms: pass, strait.