The phrase "in sticks" typically means to be in a state of poverty or lack. There are several synonyms for this phrase that can be used interchangeably depending on the context. One common synonym is "in dire straits," which suggests a more urgent and desperate situation. "Down on one's luck" is another way to express the idea of facing financial difficulties. "Hard up," "broke," and "penniless" all convey the same message of not having enough money to make ends meet. These synonyms can be helpful when looking for different ways to express the same idea or to avoid using the same phrase repeatedly.