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in deep water — in a difficult or dangerous situation, especially one with serious consequences

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: in a difficult or dangerous situation, especially one with serious consequences

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn diːp ˈwɔːtər/

Example Sentences

  • My cat is in deep water after knocking over my mom's favorite vase.
  • The company is in deep water after the scandal was exposed to the public.
  • I'm in deep water with my girlfriend because I forgot our anniversary again.

in deep water

NOUN

[/ɪn diːp ˈwɔːtər/]

in a difficult or dangerous situation, especially one with serious consequences

He's in deep water after breaking his boss's favorite mug this morning.
💡 Concept

He's in deep water after breaking his boss's favorite mug this morning.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn diːp ˈwɔːtər/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn diːp ˈwɔːtə/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This idiom comes from the literal danger of being in water too deep to stand or swim safely, dating back to nautical and everyday English usage.

Breakdown

in (inside) + deep (far down) + water (liquid) → literally 'in water over one's head', meaning in serious trouble

🎵Rhyme

hot water
trouble

🔗Collocations

be in deep water
get into deep water
find yourself in deep water
put someone in deep water
financially in deep water
in deep water with someone

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat is in deep water after knocking over my mom's favorite vase.”

“The company is in deep water after the scandal was exposed to the public.”

😄 Fun example

“I'm in deep water with my girlfriend because I forgot our anniversary again.”

“Without proper documentation, small businesses can find themselves in deep water during tax season.”

😄 Fun example

“He's in deep water at school after copying his friend's entire homework, word for word.”

📚Related Words

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