in deep water
in deep water
Meaning | Synonyms
- a very serious situation
- a time of great difficulty
- often a situation that one is not capable of resolving on one's own
- in difficulty
- in problem
Example Sentences
- The political party is in deep water after it was discovered that their candidate had lied in the report.
- If you don't bring back my dad's car in one piece I will be in deep water.
- After my husband lost his job we were in deep water.
- I am in deep water at work. I do not know how I am going to finish the proposal in time.
- Our company is in deep water. We have overextended out loan and we are unable to pay the bank.
- I am in deep water with my sister. I promised that I would be able to find a venue for her wedding but everything is booked.
- I'm going to be in deep water if my boss refuses to approve the project done by me after the hard work of a week.
Origin
The origin of this phrase dates back to Biblical times. It is a Biblical metaphor. In Psalm 69: 14 it says:
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
In this case the water is not seen as a physical entity but as something that holding you back or endangering you. This is how the phrase is still used today.