<P> A sticky wicket, (or sticky dog, or glue pot) is a metaphor used to describe a difficult circumstance . It originated as a term for difficult circumstances in the sport of cricket, caused by a damp and soft pitch . </P> <P> The phrase comes from the game of cricket . "Wicket" has several meanings in cricket: in this case, also known as the pitch, it refers to the rectangular area in the centre of the cricket field between the stumps . The wicket is usually covered in a much shorter grass than the rest of the field or entirely bare, making it susceptible to variations in weather, which in turn cause the ball to bounce differently . </P>

Where did the expression sticky wicket come from