deep water
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Serious trouble or difficulty: A situation that is very problematic, dangerous, or difficult to escape from. This is a metaphorical use of the phrase.
Usage
- The phrase "deep water" is almost always used metaphorically to describe a state of severe trouble. It is commonly used with verbs like "be in," "get into," or "find oneself in."
- It is typically used as a non-count noun (e.g., "in deep water," not "in a deep water").
Examples
- Noun:
- The company is in deep water after the financial scandal was exposed.
- He knew he was getting into deep water when he tried to argue with the expert.
- Without proper preparation, you could find yourself in deep water during the negotiations.
Advanced Usage
- "to be in deep water": to be in serious trouble.
- The politician is in deep water over his controversial statements.
- "to get into deep water": to get involved in a serious and difficult situation.
- I warned him not to sign that contract, or he'd get into deep water.
Variants and Related Words
- Hot water (idiom, noun): a similar idiom meaning serious trouble.
- He's in hot water with his boss for missing the deadline.
Synonyms
- Trouble: a state of difficulty or distress.
- A predicament: a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
- A quandary: a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
Related Phrases
- Out of one's depth: in a situation that is too difficult to handle due to a lack of experience or ability.
- As a new manager, he was quickly out of his depth.
Related Idioms
- In over one's head: involved in a situation that is too difficult to manage.
- She realized she was in over her head with the complex project.