deep trouble
مشكلة كبيرة
직역: trouble that is deep (like water)
Use `deep trouble` when a mistake has serious, unavoidable consequences that feel overwhelming.
15초 만에
- Used when facing serious consequences for a mistake or failure.
- Metaphorically compares a bad situation to deep, dangerous water.
- Common in both workplace warnings and personal apologies.
뜻
This phrase means you are in a very difficult situation that is hard to escape. It implies you have made a mistake and serious consequences are coming your way.
주요 예문
3 / 6Forgetting an anniversary
I forgot our anniversary, and now I'm in deep trouble with my wife.
I forgot our anniversary, and now I'm in deep trouble with my wife.
Missing a major work deadline
If we don't finish this report by five, we are all in deep trouble.
If we don't finish this report by five, we are all in deep trouble.
A child breaking something expensive
The kids are in deep trouble for playing ball inside the house.
The kids are in deep trouble for playing ball inside the house.
문화적 배경
The phrase draws on the universal fear of drowning or being submerged in something uncontrollable. It gained significant traction in American English during the 20th century, often used in film noir to describe characters caught in criminal webs. It reflects a Western cultural emphasis on individual accountability for one's actions.
Add 'Real' for emphasis
If the situation is truly terrible, say 'in real deep trouble.' It makes you sound more sincere and worried.
Don't use for small things
If you just dropped a spoon, don't say you're in deep trouble. People will think something much worse happened!
15초 만에
- Used when facing serious consequences for a mistake or failure.
- Metaphorically compares a bad situation to deep, dangerous water.
- Common in both workplace warnings and personal apologies.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing in a pool. If the water is at your ankles, you can walk away easily. If you are in deep trouble, the water is over your head. You are stuck in a serious mess. It usually means you did something wrong or failed at a task. Now, you have to face a boss, a parent, or the law. It is not just a small mistake; it is a crisis.
How To Use It
You use this phrase with the verb to be. You can say 'I am in deep trouble.' You can also use it to warn others. Sometimes we add real or serious for extra drama. For example, 'If I lose my passport, I am in real deep trouble.' It works perfectly when the consequences are already starting to happen. It is like seeing the storm clouds right above you.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. Use it at work if you missed a massive deadline. Use it at home if you broke your mom’s favorite vase. It is great for storytelling too. If you are telling a friend about a bad day, this phrase adds tension. It works in movies, books, and daily chats. It captures that 'oh no' feeling perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny problems. If you forgot your pen, you are not in deep trouble. Using it for small things makes you sound dramatic. Also, avoid it in very stiff, legal documents. In a courtroom, a lawyer says 'legal repercussions,' not deep trouble. It is a bit too colorful for a formal police report. Keep it for conversations and emails.
Cultural Background
English speakers love water metaphors. Being 'in deep' suggests you are drowning in your problems. This phrase has been around for a long time. It became very popular in mid-20th century pop culture. It often appears in detective movies and noir films. It gives a sense of 'no way out' that Western audiences find very relatable. It is a classic 'tough guy' or 'guilty kid' expression.
Common Variations
You might hear in hot water which is very similar. Another one is in a jam or in a pickle. If things are really bad, people say in deep s***, but that is very vulgar! Stick to deep trouble to stay safe. You can also say someone is heading for deep trouble if they haven't messed up yet, but they are about to.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is neutral-to-informal. It is highly versatile and can be used in almost any context except the most formal legal or academic writing.
Add 'Real' for emphasis
If the situation is truly terrible, say 'in real deep trouble.' It makes you sound more sincere and worried.
Don't use for small things
If you just dropped a spoon, don't say you're in deep trouble. People will think something much worse happened!
The 'Hot Water' Secret
In the US, 'in hot water' and 'in deep trouble' are interchangeable, but 'deep trouble' sounds slightly more permanent.
예시
6I forgot our anniversary, and now I'm in deep trouble with my wife.
I forgot our anniversary, and now I'm in deep trouble with my wife.
Shows a personal/relational consequence.
If we don't finish this report by five, we are all in deep trouble.
If we don't finish this report by five, we are all in deep trouble.
Professional setting where the team faces a crisis.
The kids are in deep trouble for playing ball inside the house.
The kids are in deep trouble for playing ball inside the house.
Classic use for parental discipline.
I just accidentally CC'd the boss on that joke email. I'm in deep trouble!
I just accidentally CC'd the boss on that joke email. I'm in deep trouble!
Informal digital communication.
The company will be in deep trouble if the bank doesn't approve the loan.
The company will be in deep trouble if the bank doesn't approve the loan.
Serious business/financial context.
I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day... and I had a meeting with the CEO. Deep trouble.
I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day... and I had a meeting with the CEO. Deep trouble.
Self-deprecating humor.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
He spent his rent money on a new TV, and now he is in ___ trouble.
`Deep trouble` is the standard collocation for serious problems.
Identify the correct preposition.
You will be ___ deep trouble if you don't tell the truth.
We always use the preposition `in` with `deep trouble` because you are 'inside' the bad situation.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Deep Trouble'
Talking to siblings or close friends.
Dude, you're in deep trouble.
Standard daily conversation and emails.
I'm in deep trouble with my manager.
Serious business warnings.
The firm is in deep trouble financially.
When to say 'Deep Trouble'
Work Mistake
Deleted a main server file.
Relationship
Forgot a partner's birthday.
Financial
Overspent the monthly budget.
Legal/Rules
Caught speeding by the police.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it is very common in professional settings to describe serious project or financial failures. For example, The project is in deep trouble.
It depends on your tone. It can be a helpful warning or a stern reprimand. Use it carefully with superiors.
Trouble can be minor, like a small annoyance. Deep trouble implies the situation is critical and hard to fix.
Yes, big trouble is almost the same. Deep trouble sounds a bit more dramatic and serious.
No, it is a standard English idiom/collocation. It is safe to use in most social and business situations.
Just change the verb 'to be'. For example, I was in deep trouble last week when I lost my keys.
In very formal writing, you might use phrases like facing severe consequences or in a precarious position.
Absolutely. You can say, He is in deep trouble if you see someone making a big mistake.
Usually, yes. However, it can also describe a bad situation that isn't your fault, like a company being in deep trouble due to the economy.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say you are in the clear or on safe ground.
관련 표현
In hot water
In trouble or facing criticism from others.
In a bind
In a difficult situation that is hard to solve.
Up a creek without a paddle
In a very difficult situation with no way to fix it.
Between a rock and a hard place
Having to choose between two very bad options.
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