deep water
ماء عميق
Use `deep water` for physical depth or when a situation feels dangerously overwhelming and hard to escape.
En 15 segundos
- Refers to water where you cannot touch the bottom easily.
- Commonly means being in a very difficult or overwhelming situation.
- Used both for physical safety and metaphorical trouble or complexity.
Significado
Literally, it refers to water that is very deep, like in the middle of the ocean. Figuratively, it describes being in a difficult or complex situation that is hard to handle.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Warning a friend at the beach
Be careful, the current is strong and the deep water starts suddenly.
Be careful, the current is strong and the deep water starts suddenly.
Discussing a difficult project at work
If we don't finish this report, we'll be in deep water with the director.
If we don't finish this report, we'll be in deep water with the director.
Talking about a complex math problem
I tried to help him with his physics, but I quickly got into deep water.
I tried to help him with his physics, but I quickly got into deep water.
Contexto cultural
The phrase draws from maritime history and the universal human fear of drowning. In English-speaking cultures, water often symbolizes emotions or the 'unknown,' making this phrase a powerful metaphor for psychological or financial stress. It became widely popularized through 19th-century literature and remains a staple in news headlines today.
Deep vs. Hot Water
Use 'hot water' when you did something wrong and might get punished. Use 'deep water' when the situation is just very difficult or complex.
Don't say 'Big Water'
Even if the ocean is big, we never say 'big water.' Always use 'deep' to describe the vertical distance from the surface.
En 15 segundos
- Refers to water where you cannot touch the bottom easily.
- Commonly means being in a very difficult or overwhelming situation.
- Used both for physical safety and metaphorical trouble or complexity.
What It Means
At its simplest, deep water is about depth. Think of a swimming pool where you cannot touch the bottom. That is deep water. However, English speakers love using it as a metaphor. If you are in deep water, you are in trouble. You might be overwhelmed by a problem. It feels like you are swimming and might sink. It is a vivid way to say things are getting serious.
How To Use It
You can use it physically or metaphorically. Physically, you say 'The kids shouldn't swim in deep water.' Metaphorically, you use the phrase in deep water. For example, 'I am in deep water with my boss.' This means your boss is very angry with you. You can also use into deep water to describe entering a tough situation. It works as both a noun phrase and a state of being.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about safety at the beach or pool. It is essential for warning others. Use the metaphorical version when a situation feels out of control. It is perfect for describing financial debt or complex legal issues. Use it when a conversation gets too intellectual or difficult for you. It sounds natural in both casual chats and serious news reports. It adds a bit of drama to your story.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, silly mistakes. If you forgot your socks, you aren't in deep water. That is just a minor hiccup. Avoid using it if the situation is actually dangerous but not 'deep.' For instance, being chased by a dog isn't deep water. Also, don't confuse it with hot water. Hot water means you are in trouble for doing something wrong. Deep water means the situation is just too big to manage.
Cultural Background
Water is a massive part of English history and idioms. Being an island nation, the sea represents both opportunity and danger. Deep water has been used for centuries to represent the unknown. It appears in old literature and even religious texts. It reflects a human fear of what we cannot see beneath the surface. Today, it remains a favorite for journalists describing political scandals or economic crises.
Common Variations
You will often hear in deep water. Another common one is still waters run deep. This describes a person who seems quiet but has a complex personality. You might also hear jumping into the deep end. This means starting something very difficult without much preparation. If you are out of your depth, it means the deep water has finally become too much for you to handle.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any register. Just remember the preposition 'in' is your best friend when using it metaphorically.
Deep vs. Hot Water
Use 'hot water' when you did something wrong and might get punished. Use 'deep water' when the situation is just very difficult or complex.
Don't say 'Big Water'
Even if the ocean is big, we never say 'big water.' Always use 'deep' to describe the vertical distance from the surface.
The 'Deep End'
In the UK and USA, 'jumping in the deep end' is a very common way to say you are starting a new job or task that is very hard right away!
Ejemplos
6Be careful, the current is strong and the deep water starts suddenly.
Be careful, the current is strong and the deep water starts suddenly.
Literal use regarding physical safety.
If we don't finish this report, we'll be in deep water with the director.
If we don't finish this report, we'll be in deep water with the director.
Metaphorical use meaning 'in big trouble.'
I tried to help him with his physics, but I quickly got into deep water.
I tried to help him with his physics, but I quickly got into deep water.
Means the subject became too difficult to understand.
I spent too much this month. I'm in deep water now!
I spent too much this month. I'm in deep water now!
Commonly used for financial stress.
Don't worry about the deep water; you're tall enough to walk across the ocean!
Don't worry about the deep water; you're tall enough to walk across the ocean!
Playful literal use.
He knew his lies would eventually land him in deep water.
He knew his lies would eventually land him in deep water.
Refers to the serious consequences of actions.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a difficult situation.
After the company lost its biggest client, they found themselves in ___.
Being 'in deep water' is the standard idiom for being in a difficult or troublesome situation.
Identify the literal use of the phrase.
The lifeguard told the children to stay away from the ___.
In a swimming context, 'deep water' refers to the part of the pool or sea that is not shallow.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Deep Water'
Used with friends to describe being overwhelmed.
I'm in deep water with my chores!
Standard use in news or general conversation.
The firm is in deep water financially.
Used in literature or serious reporting.
The nation entered deep water during the crisis.
When to use 'Deep Water'
Swimming Safety
No diving in deep water.
Financial Debt
Owing the bank a lot of money.
Complex Topics
A conversation about advanced science.
Serious Trouble
Breaking a major rule at work.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot directly. You wouldn't say 'He is a deep water.' You say 'He is in deep water' to mean he is in trouble.
Yes, it is very common. You might say, 'We are in deep water with this budget,' and everyone will understand the seriousness.
The literal opposite is shallow water. Metaphorically, there isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you might say you are on solid ground.
No, it is a standard English idiom. It is safe to use in almost any setting, from texting to writing a news article.
Usually, yes. Metaphorically, it implies a struggle. However, literally, it can just be a description of a diving area.
You change the verb before it. For example: 'I was in deep water' or 'He got into deep water last year.'
Yes, adding 'very' is perfectly fine for both literal and metaphorical meanings to add emphasis.
It's a related proverb. It means that people who are quiet often have very interesting or complex thoughts.
Usually, 'deep water' is used for a specific spot. 'Deep waters' (plural) sounds more poetic or refers to a large area like the ocean.
Yes! You could say, 'That exam was so hard, I felt like I was in deep water the whole time.'
Frases relacionadas
In hot water
In trouble because you did something wrong.
Out of your depth
In a situation that is too difficult for your skills.
The deep end
The most difficult part of a task or a pool.
Treading water
Making an effort but not actually making any progress.
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis