uncharted waters

uncharted waters

A situation or circumstance that is foreign, unclear, or unfamiliar and which may be dangerous or difficult as a result. We're starting to get into uncharted waters exploiting these tax loopholes. If we aren't careful, the government may crack down on us hard! John keeps himself so closed off that I've never understood the uncharted waters of his emotions.
See also: uncharted, water
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(be in/get into) murky/uncharted ˈwaters

(be in/get into) a difficult or dangerous situation that you do not know anything about: As I opened up the computer to try and fix the problem, I realized that I was getting into completely uncharted waters and decided to leave it to the experts.
Murky water is dark or dirty. If somebody is in uncharted waters, they are in an area of sea or ocean that is not known or recorded on a map.
See also: murky, uncharted, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • murky
  • murky waters
  • murky/uncharted waters
  • in a sticky situation
  • mixed up in (something)
  • on a sticky wicket
  • batting on a sticky wicket
  • be in a sticky situation
  • be (batting) on a sticky wicket
  • a sticky situation
References in periodicals archive
Poldark BBC1, Sun, 9pm When the banks start issuing paper notes instead of gold, Demelza finds herself thrown into uncharted waters with her workers and the locals, a situation Tess and Jacka take advantage of.
Poldark (BBC1, 9pm-10pm) When the banks start issuing paper notes instead of gold, Demelza finds herself thrown into uncharted waters with her workers and the locals, a situation taken advantage of by Tess and Jacka.
Albion Rovers start the campaign going into uncharted waters, as they travel to Ochilview to face relegated Stenhousemuir on the opening day.
Summary: Recent days have seen FPM leader Gebran Bassil navigating Lebanese politics in a rudderless boat, overloaded with delusions of grandeur, sailing into uncharted waters.
She is courageous but as the massive crowd in London at the weekend revealed (and this was democracy at its best) we are in uncharted waters and desperately need a solution to the interminable torture which is Brexit!
On three nights this week, we've been promised a journey into uncharted waters to witness the real impact of plastic pollution and climate change.
The video that was shared widely in the UK came two days before voting in the Commons that came with shocking results when MPs voted by 312 to 308 to reject a no-deal Brexit under any circumstances leaving the country in uncharted waters.
Lady Evans added: "I think it is fair to say that we are in uncharted waters.
And let's have an amendment to prevent the UK heading into uncharted waters without a paddle.
Benedicto Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance based at the Notre Dame University of Cotabato City, said "Cotabato City will journey into uncharted waters."
He sailed into uncharted waters without qualms as to what lay ahead, unlike our PM - not one to miss an opportunity to try to frighten the electorate into submission - and is warning that a 'no deal' means a voyage into 'uncharted territory'.
"It would mean grave uncertainty for the nation with a very real risk of no Brexit or leaving the European Union with no deal" The Prime Minister warning that a defeat in the Commons for her Brexit plan would lead the country into "uncharted waters".
LONDON -- With two days to go until the crucial Brexit vote, the prime minister has warned MPs they face "uncharted waters" if they reject her deal.
Pune -- Venturing into uncharted waters, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said Pakistan should turn into a secular state from an Islamic nation.
'But the basic challenge is that we are in uncharted waters brought by a government that was so profligate in spending on borrowed money that it has taken the nation to the brink of bankruptcy.