A tough situation is a difficult and challenging problem that requires a lot of effort to resolve. In this crossword, the solutions are SPOT (4 letters), STRAIT (6 letters), BIND (4 letters), TRAVAIL (7 letters), FIXES (5 letters), PLIGHT (6 letters), HOTSEAT (7 letters), and HOTPOTATO (9 letters). SPOT refers to a difficult position or dilemma, STRAIT is a narrow passage or difficult situation, BIND is to tie or restrict, TRAVAIL is hard work or labor, FIXES is to repair or mend, PLIGHT is a difficult or dangerous situation, HOTSEAT is an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation, and HOTPOTATO is a difficult problem that is passed from one person to another. All of these words together describe a tough situation, which is a difficult problem that requires a lot of effort to solve.