Idiom
in hot water
Meanings
In trouble or likely to be criticized or punished 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 and may be blamed, punished, or strongly criticized. It is often used when someone has broken a rule, made a mistake, or done something that upsets others. The phrase can describe both serious and minor problems, especially with an authority figure like a boss, teacher, or parent.
Examples
- He was in hot water after missing the deadline again.
- I’m in hot water with my parents for coming home late.
- The company found itself in hot water when customers complained about hidden fees.
- She got in hot water for sharing confidential information at work.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "in the hot water" even though the idiom is almost always "in hot water" without "the."
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (adjectival phrase)s
- off one's trolley To be off one's trolley means to behave in a crazy, irrational, or wildly unreasonable way.
- on the pull Trying to meet and attract someone for a casual romantic or sexual relationship, especially on a ni…
- in good nick If something is in good nick, it is in good condition and works well.
- under the cosh If someone is under the cosh, they are under strong pressure or being controlled harshly.
- under the weather If you are under the weather, you feel slightly ill or not at your best.