pickle

noun

• 1a small cucumber preserved in vinegar, brine, or a similar solution.
• fruit or vegetables preserved in vinegar or brine and used as a relish.
• the liquid used to preserve food or other perishable items.
• an acid solution for cleaning metal objects.

• 2 [in singular] informal a difficult or messy situation:I am in a pickle

verb

• preserve (food or other perishable items) in vinegar, brine, or a similar solution:chunks of green tomatoes pickled in brine
• immerse (a metal object) in an acid or other chemical solution for cleaning.