be in hot water

be in hot water

To have provoked or incited anger, hostility, or punishment against oneself; to have caused or encountered trouble or difficulty, especially that which will result in punishment or reprisal. I was in a bit of hot water with Janice last night when she found out I went to the movies instead of cleaning out the garage. The senator is in hot water with constituents over his callous remarks.

See also: hot, water