get in(to) trouble
1. To be subject to punishment for a particular offense or wrongdoing. I got in trouble with my parents for sneaking out last night. Jed's gotten in trouble with the law again. A: "Ugh, is that cop pulling me over?" B: "If you would just drive closer to the speed limit, you wouldn't get in trouble so often."
2. To encounter a problematic situation or state of hardship. I've gotten in trouble, Dave. Is there any way you could lend me some money? She'll get in trouble if she doesn't see the obstacles up ahead. I knew he was making some questionable investments, so I'm not surprised to hear he got into trouble.
3. euphemism To become pregnant, particularly of one who is young and unmarried. Is it true that Molly's gotten into trouble? I knew that boyfriend of hers was bad news! You need to tell your parents you've gotten in trouble. I mean, it's not going to take them nine months to figure it out. No, we haven't had sex! I'm not looking to get into trouble at 16, thank you very much!
get into trouble
1. To get into a bad or dangerous situation. I think we might get into trouble if we try driving the car on that rickety bridge. If you ever get into trouble out in the water, wave both your arms so the lifeguard can see you. No, don't go out on the pond! That ice looks awfully thin, and I think we'd get into trouble if we tried skating on it.
2. To be reprimanded for something. I am definitely going to get into trouble with my mom if she finds out that I broke the vase. If I'm not home by curfew, I will get into trouble with my parents. Of course you got into trouble with Mom and Dad—you're failing three classes this semester!
3. To get a woman pregnant outside of marriage. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "into." You're just 16 years old—if you aren't ready to raise a baby, then you better not do anything to get a girl into trouble. A: "Who got Molly into trouble?" B: "Probably that loser boyfriend of hers—I always knew he was bad news!" Actually, my boyfriend is not going to get me into trouble in high school because we're not having sex!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.