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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“Without proper documentation, small businesses can find themselves in deep water during tax season.”
“He's in deep water at school after copying his friend's entire homework, word for word.”
📚Related Words
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