get into hot water — to get into trouble or face serious problems
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to get into trouble or face serious problems
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡet ˈɪntuː hɑːt ˈwɔːtər/
Example Sentences
- Sarah got into hot water when she accidentally sent a complaint email about her boss to her boss.
- The politician is in hot water over his controversial statements about climate change.
- Tom got into hot water with his wife when she found his secret stash of chocolate cookies.
get into hot water
VERB[/ɡet ˈɪntuː hɑːt ˈwɔːtər/]
to get into trouble or face serious problems
a nervous employee sits at a conference table while their boss stands pointing accusingly at scattered papers. The employee's face shows worry and regret as they realize their mistake has been discovered. The papers reveal evidence of a costly error that has caused major problems for the company. The boss's expression shows anger and disappointment while other colleagues in the background shake their heads. The employee shrinks back in their chair, knowing they are in serious trouble. someone getting into trouble and facing serious problems due to their actions
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originated in 19th-century American English as a metaphorical expression. It draws from the literal danger of scalding from hot water, used figuratively to describe being in a painful or difficult situation.
Breakdown
hot (adjective: causing pain or discomfort) + water (noun: used metaphorically for trouble or difficulty). The phrase combines physical danger imagery with abstract meaning to convey being in trouble or facing consequences.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Sarah got into hot water when she accidentally sent a complaint email about her boss to her boss.”
“The politician is in hot water over his controversial statements about climate change.”
“Tom got into hot water with his wife when she found his secret stash of chocolate cookies.”
“The company is in hot water with regulators for violating safety standards.”
📚Related Words
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