What is dire straits meaning?

Dire Straits was a British rock band founded in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers. The name "Dire Straits" comes from the British colloquialism for being in a tight spot or difficult situation. The band played a mix of rock, blues, and country music, and gained popularity in the late 1970s with hits such as "Sultans of Swing" and "Romeo and Juliet". Their music often features Mark Knopfler's distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and intelligent lyrics with a social commentary edge. Over the course of their career, Dire Straits sold over 120 million records and won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards. The band disbanded in 1995, but their legacy continues to influence rock music today.