in hot water

in hot water

Having provoked or incited anger, hostility, or punishment against oneself; in a troublesome or difficult situation, 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.

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*in hot water (with someone) (about someone or something)

Fig. in trouble. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~.) You are going to get into hot water with Rebecca about that. Amy got into hot water about Todd with Rebecca. John got himself into hot water by being late.

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in hot water

COMMON If someone is in hot water, they have done something wrong and people are angry with them. Anelka's outspoken views have regularly landed him in hot water. Carlton has found himself in hot water over controversial statements in the past.

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in hot water

in a situation of difficulty, trouble, or disgrace.

1997 TV Quick Hunter finds himself in hot water when a local TV reporter accuses him of police brutality—and is later found dead.

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in hot ˈwater

(informal) in trouble: She got into hot water for being late. ♢ The new clerk was in hot water because she forgot to ask for a receipt for the money. ♢ This sort of behaviour will land him in hot water.

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