in hot water

Related to in hot water: at the eleventh hour

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.
See also: hot, water
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*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.
See also: hot, water
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.
See also: hot, water
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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.
See also: hot, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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.
See also: hot, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be in hot water
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • keep sight of somebody/something
References in periodicals archive
The results indicated that bentonite disperses and gels differently in hot water than in cold water.
The usage is more than we anticipated." Another council is in hot water because it wants to double the costs for burying FAT PEOPLE.