in hot water
In trouble
Littéralement: Inside of high-temperature water
Use this phrase when you've made a mistake and someone is now angry or upset with you.
En 15 secondes
- Being in trouble or facing criticism for a mistake.
- Commonly used with 'to be' or 'to get' into trouble.
- Best for social, family, or casual workplace problems.
Signification
This phrase means you are in trouble or facing consequences for something you did wrong. It feels like you are stuck in a difficult situation where someone is angry with you.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Forgetting a birthday
I forgot my wife's birthday, and now I'm in real hot water.
I forgot my wife's birthday, and now I'm in real trouble.
Missing a work deadline
If I don't finish this report by five, I'll be in hot water with the boss.
If I don't finish this report by five, I'll be in trouble with the boss.
Texting a friend about a mistake
I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase. I'm in such hot water!
I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase. I'm in so much trouble!
Contexte culturel
The idiom dates back to at least the 16th century. It likely originated from the idea that being in boiling water is a painful, inescapable situation. In modern pop culture, it is frequently used in sitcoms and news headlines to describe celebrities who said something controversial.
Add an adjective
You can say 'deep hot water' to show that the trouble is very serious. It makes you sound more like a native speaker!
Don't use with 'the'
It is 'in hot water', not 'in the hot water'. Adding 'the' makes it sound like you are talking about a literal swimming pool.
En 15 secondes
- Being in trouble or facing criticism for a mistake.
- Commonly used with 'to be' or 'to get' into trouble.
- Best for social, family, or casual workplace problems.
What It Means
Imagine jumping into a bathtub that is way too hot. It is uncomfortable and you want to get out immediately! Being in hot water means you are in a situation where you face criticism or punishment. You usually got there because of a mistake or a bad choice. It is that sinking feeling in your stomach when your boss calls you into their office.
How To Use It
You use this phrase with the verb to be or to get. If you are already in trouble, you are in hot water. If you are about to do something risky, you might get into hot water. You can also add words like deep or real for extra drama. For example, I am in deep hot water means the trouble is very serious. It is a great way to describe a mess without sounding too robotic.
When To Use It
Use this when you forget an anniversary or miss a big deadline. It works perfectly when talking to friends about your strict teacher. You can use it at work if you accidentally reply-all to a private email. It is great for those moments where you need to admit you messed up. It adds a bit of flavor to a boring apology.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for life-threatening emergencies or legal crimes. If you are literally being arrested, in hot water sounds a bit too lighthearted! Avoid it in very formal legal documents or academic papers. It is a colorful idiom, not a technical term. Also, do not use it if you are actually talking about a spa or a shower—people will get very confused!
Cultural Background
This phrase has been around for hundreds of years. Some say it comes from the old practice of throwing boiling water on intruders! Others think it just refers to the pain of being scalded. In English-speaking cultures, we love using metaphors about temperature to describe emotions. If you are in hot water, the 'heat' is the pressure from other people's anger.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are in the doghouse. This is similar but usually used for relationships at home. Another one is in a pickle, which means you are in a tricky spot but not necessarily in trouble with a person. In hot water is specifically about facing someone's wrath. Keep it simple and stick to the classic version for the most impact.
Notes d'usage
This is a B1-level idiom that is very safe for daily use. Just remember it requires a person or entity to be the 'source' of the trouble (e.g., in hot water *with* the teacher).
Add an adjective
You can say 'deep hot water' to show that the trouble is very serious. It makes you sound more like a native speaker!
Don't use with 'the'
It is 'in hot water', not 'in the hot water'. Adding 'the' makes it sound like you are talking about a literal swimming pool.
The 'Doghouse' Alternative
If the trouble is specifically with a romantic partner, Americans often say they are 'in the doghouse' instead.
Exemples
6I forgot my wife's birthday, and now I'm in real hot water.
I forgot my wife's birthday, and now I'm in real trouble.
Shows personal trouble in a relationship.
If I don't finish this report by five, I'll be in hot water with the boss.
If I don't finish this report by five, I'll be in trouble with the boss.
Professional context but used informally.
I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase. I'm in such hot water!
I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase. I'm in so much trouble!
Casual and relatable.
Ooh, you're in hot water! Mom saw you eating the last cookie.
Ooh, you're in trouble! Mom saw you eating the last cookie.
Playful and lighthearted.
The student found himself in hot water after he was caught cheating.
The student found himself in trouble after he was caught cheating.
Describing a consequence for a serious action.
That actor is in hot water again after his latest tweet.
That actor is in trouble again after his latest tweet.
Common way to discuss public figures.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
I'm going to be in ___ water if I don't get home before my curfew.
The standard idiom is 'in hot water'. While 'boiling' makes sense logically, it isn't the fixed phrase.
Select the correct verb to use with the phrase.
He ___ into hot water by lying to his manager.
We use 'get into hot water' to describe the process of becoming in trouble.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'In Hot Water'
Too common for street slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
I'm in hot water with my sister.
Safe for most office conversations.
The team is in hot water over the budget.
A bit too colorful for legal papers.
The company faces disciplinary action.
When to use 'In Hot Water'
Family
Forgot a chore
Work
Late for a meeting
School
Failed a test
Social
Spilled a secret
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is a very common and safe idiom to use in casual and semi-professional settings.
Yes, you can use it for something small like I'm in hot water for forgetting the milk or something big.
In trouble is direct and literal, while in hot water is more descriptive and idiomatic.
No, that isn't a standard phrase. Stick to hot water to be understood.
Yes, it is used and understood in all major English-speaking countries including the UK, US, and Australia.
You are usually in hot water with a person, like your boss, your parents, or your partner.
Yes, you might see a headline like The tech giant is in hot water over privacy concerns.
It might be a bit too informal. It is better to say I faced a challenge or I made a mistake in an interview.
Usually, yes. It implies that there is an external person or group who is unhappy with your actions.
No, this phrase is exclusively for negative situations where you have done something wrong.
Expressions liées
In the doghouse
In trouble with a spouse or partner.
In a pickle
In a difficult or messy situation.
On thin ice
In a risky situation where one more mistake will cause big trouble.
Facing the music
Accepting the punishment or consequences for your actions.
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