Significado
To be in a difficult or problematic situation, often with authority.
Contexto cultural
In American office culture, being 'in hot water' often leads to a 'performance improvement plan' (PIP). It is a common way to describe someone who is on the verge of being fired. British English uses 'in hot water' frequently, but you might also hear 'in a spot of bother,' which is a more 'understated' way of saying the same thing. While the idiom is English, the concept of 'hot water' (onsen culture) is very positive in Japan. Learners should be careful not to confuse the idiom with the relaxing activity of bathing. In international business, 'in hot water' is a safe, non-offensive idiom to use in meetings to describe regulatory or compliance issues.
Use 'with'
Always remember to use 'with' to name the person who is angry. 'I'm in hot water with my boss.'
No 'The'
Saying 'in the hot water' is a common mistake. Keep it simple: 'in hot water.'
Significado
To be in a difficult or problematic situation, often with authority.
Use 'with'
Always remember to use 'with' to name the person who is angry. 'I'm in hot water with my boss.'
No 'The'
Saying 'in the hot water' is a common mistake. Keep it simple: 'in hot water.'
News Headlines
Look for this phrase in news headlines about scandals; it's a favorite of journalists!
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
If you don't finish your homework, you will be ______ with the teacher.
The idiom is 'in hot water' (no 'the', no 'cold').
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
We use 'with' to show who is angry with us.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You forgot your best friend's birthday and they are very angry.
This is a classic case of being in trouble with someone.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Why is Sarah crying? B: She ______ with her parents because she failed her exam.
While 'in the soup' is another idiom, 'in hot water' is the standard phrase for this context.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosIf you don't finish your homework, you will be ______ with the teacher.
The idiom is 'in hot water' (no 'the', no 'cold').
Choose the correct sentence:
We use 'with' to show who is angry with us.
You forgot your best friend's birthday and they are very angry.
This is a classic case of being in trouble with someone.
A: Why is Sarah crying? B: She ______ with her parents because she failed her exam.
While 'in the soup' is another idiom, 'in hot water' is the standard phrase for this context.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's not rude. It's a common, informal way to describe trouble. You can use it with friends or colleagues.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'hot water.' Changing the temperature makes it sound literal.
'In the doghouse' is specifically for romantic partners. 'In hot water' is for any authority figure.
Yes! It's very common to say a company or organization is in hot water with the public or the law.
Yes, because the words are simple, even though the meaning is figurative. It's one of the first idioms learners should know.
Yes, you can use it for something small, like forgetting to wash the dishes, often in a joking way.
Yes, a formal version would be 'to face disciplinary action' or 'to be under scrutiny.'
You can say 'I'm out of hot water' or 'The air has cleared.'
Usually, yes. It implies that your actions have caused a negative reaction from someone else.
Yes, if you told on him or caused his trouble, you can say 'I landed him in hot water.'
Frases relacionadas
In the doghouse
similarIn trouble with a spouse or partner.
In deep water
builds onIn serious trouble that is hard to handle.
In a pickle
similarIn a difficult or messy situation.
On thin ice
similarIn a risky situation where one more mistake will cause trouble.
