/ɪn ˈhɒt ˈwɔːtə/
English idiom, informal. To be in trouble or a difficult situation.
Draft Not yet checked by a native English speaker.
How do people use In hot water
?
Informal but used in news headlines too, for trouble you’ve caused yourself, usually with a boss, a teacher or the law: “Tom is in hot water again.” You can “be in”, “get into” or “land someone in” hot water.
Also said get into hot water, land someone in hot water
In hot water
in real sentences
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Tom is in hot water.
Tatoeba, sentence by CK, CC BY 2.0 FR
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Tom is in hot water again.
Tatoeba, sentence by CK, CC BY 2.0 FR
Where does In hot water
come from?
English Wiktionary gives no origin or date. The picture of being stuck in water that’s too hot is easy to grasp, and the stories that it comes from tipping boiling water on enemies have no evidence behind them.
Mistakes learners make with In hot water
Learners use it for any bad situation, like bad weather or illness. It’s about being in trouble with someone who’s angry with you, usually because of something you did.
Other English idioms like In hot water
Spot a mistake in In hot water
?
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