Idiom
in hot water
Meanings
In trouble or likely to be punished or criticized for something.
Definition
To be in hot water means to be in trouble or facing criticism because of something you did.
If you are in hot water, you are in trouble or under pressure, often because you made a mistake or broke a rule. It commonly involves being criticized by a boss, teacher, family member, or the public. The situation may be serious, but it can also be minor depending on context.
Examples
- He’s in hot water for missing the deadline again.
- I got in hot water with my parents for coming home late.
- The company is in hot water after the data leak.
- You’ll be in hot water if you park there overnight.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.