Place in a difficult situation (4)
I believe the answer is:
spot
I believe this is a double definition.
'place' is the first definition.
('spot' can be a synonym of 'place')
'a difficult situation' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for spot that I've seen before include "Observe - place" , "precise location" , "Detect" , "make out" , "Discern - mark" .)