in hot water
Meaning
In trouble or facing criticism, punishment, or serious difficulty because of something you did or failed to do.
Origin
From the older expression “in hot water,” referring to being in an unpleasant, dangerous, or uncomfortable situation; the “heat” metaphor links to trouble and pressure (attested from the 1800s).
Notes
Common, informal-to-neutral. Implies you may face blame or consequences. Used for anything from minor mistakes to serious misconduct; often with “get/land/be in hot water.”
Examples
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He’s in hot water with his boss after missing the deadline.
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If you lie about the expense report, you’ll end up in hot water.
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She found herself in hot water when the client complained about the mistake.
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We’ll be in hot water if the landlord finds out we painted without permission.
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The team got in hot water for breaking the company’s security rules.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase “in hot water” (no article). Common patterns: be in hot water; get/land (someone) in hot water; keep someone out of hot water. Can take modifiers (deep/serious hot water).
Synonyms
- in trouble
- in a jam
- in a bind
- in hot soup
- in deep trouble
Antonyms
- in the clear
- off the hook
- out of trouble