straits straits /ˈstreɪts/

noun

1. A difficult juncture  ( head , pass , straits )
   a difficult juncture
    A pretty pass
   a pretty pass
    Matters came to a head yesterday
   matters came to a head yesterday
   
2. A bad or difficult situation or state of affairs  ( pass , strait , straits )
   a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
   

 strait strait /ˈstreɪt/

adjective

1. [Archaic] Narrow  ( strait [Archaic] )
   narrow
    Strait is the gate
   strait is the gate
   

noun

1. () A narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water  ( sound , strait )
   a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
     The narrow strait connected two vast bodies of water, creating a strategic passage for ships.
   The narrow strait connected two vast bodies of water, creating a strategic passage for ships.
   
   
2. A bad or difficult situation or state of affairs  ( pass , strait , straits )
   a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs