be in a stew be in a stew {v. phr.} To be worried, harassed, upset. Al has been in a stew ever since he got word that his sister was going to marry his worst enemy. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: B Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss