Be in/get into hot water

usgb
phrase

To be in or get into a difficult situation where you are likely to be punished.

You will be in hot water if your teacher catches you cheating.
Visual representation of "be in/get into hot water" - To be in or get into a difficult situation where you are likely to be punished

Often appears as...

  • land in hot water
  • find oneself in hot water

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be in/get into hot water"
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Figurative meaning

The phrase doesn't involve actual water. It's a metaphor for trouble or criticism.

Illustration for Figurative meaning
After losing the company money, Jim was really in hot water with his boss.
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Severity varies

The phrase can refer to trivial trouble or serious repercussions, depending on context.

Illustration for Severity varies
I was in hot water for being ten minutes late, but it was nothing a sincere apology couldn't fix.
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Not always literal

Sometimes it's used humorously or sarcastically, not to denote real trouble.

Illustration for Not always literal
He's in hot water now for eating the last cookie, but we're all just teasing him.
Visual representation of the word "Be in/get into hot water"

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