What does “In hot water” mean?

"In hot water" means being in trouble or facing difficulties.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

He found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.

Example

The company is in hot water due to a major product recall.

Example

She got in hot water for breaking the rules

Is “In hot water” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“In hot water” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “In hot water” effectively in context?

You can use "In hot water" to describe a situation where someone is in trouble or facing difficulties. It emphasizes the negative consequences or repercussions of their actions. For example, if a friend gets caught cheating on a test, you might say, 'He's really "in hot water" with the teacher now.'

1School
After plagiarizing his essay, he found himself in hot water with the professor.
After plagiarizing his essay, he found himself in hot water with the professor.
2Business
The company is in hot water due to a major financial scandal.
The company is in hot water due to a major financial scandal.
3Rules and Regulations
She got in hot water for breaking the company's strict dress code policy.
She got in hot water for breaking the company's strict dress code policy.

Similar phrases to “In hot water”:

In a pickle

In a difficult or troublesome situation

Example

After losing his wallet, he found himself in a pickle trying to pay for his dinner.

Between a rock and a hard place

Facing a difficult decision or situation with no good options

Example

She was between a rock and a hard place when deciding whether to accept the job offer with a lower salary or stay unemployed.

Up the creek without a paddle

In a difficult or hopeless situation with no means of escape or assistance

Example

After his car broke down in the middle of nowhere, he was up the creek without a paddle.

In deep trouble

In a serious or grave situation with potential negative consequences

Example

He knew he was in deep trouble when he saw the damage he had caused.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “In hot water” come from?

The origin of the phrase "In hot water" is unknown.

Is “In hot water” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "In hot water" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is facing trouble or difficulties.

What tone does “In hot water” have?

"In hot water" conveys a tone of warning or concern. It suggests that someone is facing negative consequences or is in a difficult situation.

Can “In hot water” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "In hot water" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes being in trouble or facing difficulties. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He found himself "in hot water" after missing the deadline.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Uh-oh, "in hot water"!' to imply being in trouble.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

in a tight spot
in a jam
in dire straits
in trouble
facing difficulties
in a bind
in a fix
in a mess
in a predicament
in jeopardy

Antonyms

smooth sailing
in the clear
safe and sound
out of trouble
problem-free