in deep water

Are you using the idiom in deep water but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the in deep water idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "in deep water"

Meaning

The phrase 'in deep water' is a common idiom that is used to describe being in a difficult, uncomfortable and/or uncertain situation. It can be used to refer to a stressful job, relationship, or any other challenging experience in life. It implies that one is struggling with something and is in a state of confusion, anxiety and/or distress, as if they are struggling to stay afloat in deep and tumultuous waters.

Etymology

The origins of the phrase 'in deep water' are unclear, but it appears to have been adopted from the nautical phrase 'in deep water' which has been used since the mid-1700s to describe a situation in which a sailor is beyond their current level of skill or capability. This phrase was likely adopted by land-dwellers to refer to any difficult situation, no matter how metaphorical the notion of being in deep water might be. Over time, the phrase has evolved to take on many different nuances in its meaning.

Usage

The phrase 'in deep water' is often used in informal contexts. It is most frequently used in spoken English, but it is sometimes written in informal contexts as well. It is usually used as a metaphor to describe any kind of difficult, uncomfortable and/or uncertain situation, often where one is struggling and feels overwhelmed.

Example Sentences

• I'm really in deep water with this project at work. I'm behind schedule and I'm not sure how I'm going to catch up.
• My relationship is in deep water and I'm not sure how to fix it. We keep arguing and it's taking a toll on both of us.
• My boss put me in deep water by giving me an impossible deadline. I'm not sure how I'm going to finish it in time.
• I'm in deep water here. I don't know what to do and I'm starting to freak out.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.