ESL Speaking

Games + Activities to Try Out Today!

  • Adult Activities
  • Kid Activities
  • Textbooks
    • ESL Textbooks for Adults
    • ESL Textbooks for Children
  • Teacher Resources
    • Resources
    • Online TEFL Course
  • Learn English
    • Learn English
    • Confusing English Words

in Learn English

In Deep Water Meaning, Origin, and Examples

What do you say when you are in really big trouble? Maybe you broke something expensive or messed up a deadline for an important project. Or maybe you failed an exam at school. Is there another expression you can use other than that you are in trouble? If you can’t come up with any, that’s fine. You will learn one in this article. Continue reading to learn the meaning and origin of “in deep water” which is an English idiom you can use in these kinds of situations.

english idiom in deep water

English Idiom: In Deep Water

In Deep Water

We briefly told you that in deep water is another way to say that you are in trouble. But what exactly does it mean, and where did this expression come from?

Origin of In Deep Water

The expression comes from Psalm 69:14 in the Bible. It says, “… out of the deep waters.” This refers to someone in danger of drowning because the water is deep, but the person can’t swim.

If you are a good swimmer, you might think that deep water isn’t too bad. However, more than 320,000 people drown each year around the world. So, be careful, especially when swimming in deep water.

in deep water meaning and origin

In Deep Water Meaning & Origin

In Deep Water Meaning

In deep water means to be in serious trouble.

Other Forms

Other forms of “in deep water” really depend on the sentence. You can say got/gets/getting into deep water. A similar expression is “in hot water.”

Examples of In Deep Water

Here are some examples using in deep water in a sentence:

  • Tommy is now in deep water because he failed the final exam.
  • He will get in deep water if he doesn’t buy roses for his wife on Valentine’s Day.
  • I totally forgot about the assignment deadline. I’m in deep water.
in deep water meaning

In Deep Water Meaning and Examples

Other English Idioms and Expressions

Are you trying to improve your vocabulary and conversation skills? Then, check out these other English idioms and expressions. The more you know, the better you will be at having English conversations.

  • English Idiom: Eat Humble Pie
  • Beat Around the Bush
  • Back to Square One
  • More English Expressions

FAQs About In Deep Water

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the English idiom, in deep water.

What does being in deep water mean?

If someone is in deep water, it means that the person is in big trouble.

What is another word for in deep water?

Another expression that has a similar meaning as in deep water is “in hot water.” Also, you can say that you are in big trouble.

What are some example sentences of in deep water?

Here are some examples sentences using in deep water:

  • If I mess up this test, I’m going to be in deep water.
  • He’s in deep water because he got caught lying to his mom.
  • If you don’t want to get in deep water, double-check the due dates.

In Deep Water: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on this English expression, in deep water? Have you ever had the experience of getting in deep water? Try making a sentence using this idiom, so you can memorize the new expression you learned today more easily. If there is another English idiom that you want to learn, let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at:
YouTube
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram

« English Idiom: Eat Humble Pie Meaning, Origin & Examples
English Idiom: In a Pickle Meaning and Origin »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
Check Price on Amazon
103 Low-Prep ESL Speaking Games & Activities for Kids, Teenagers, and Adults: The Ultimate Book for...
103 Low-Prep ESL Speaking Games & Activities for Kids, Teenagers, and Adults: The Ultimate Book for...
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What does this mean? I recommend products (only ones that I like) and if you purchase a product through that link, I earn some money.

Search this site

39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults Who Want...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults Who Want...
Check Price on Amazon
TOEFL iBT Vocabulary Builder for Score 90+: Higher-Level TOEFL Words, Expressions, Phrases & Idioms...
TOEFL iBT Vocabulary Builder for Score 90+: Higher-Level TOEFL Words, Expressions, Phrases & Idioms...
Check Price on Amazon
101 ESL Activities: Games, Activities, Practical ideas, & Teaching Tips For English Teachers of...
101 ESL Activities: Games, Activities, Practical ideas, & Teaching Tips For English Teachers of...
Check Price on Amazon

Different Types of Adverbs with Adverb Examples

Asking for Permission English Expressions, Phrases & Dialogues

Books For English Learners: Top 20 Easy Book Recommendations

Topics to Debate about With Friends | Debate Topics for Friends

50 Food Trivia Questions and Answers for All Ages

Online TEFL Courses

Get Certified Entirely Online

67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More: For English Teachers...
Check Price on Amazon
Scatter Sheets for Intermediate-Advanced Students to Improve Fluency: ESL Speaking & Vocabulary...
Scatter Sheets for Intermediate-Advanced Students to Improve Fluency: ESL Speaking & Vocabulary...
Check Price on Amazon
1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
1001 English Expressions and Phrases: Common Sentences and Dialogues Used by Native English Speakers...
Check Price on Amazon
39 ESL Warm-Ups: For English Teachers of Kids (7+) Who Want to Get their TEFL Classes Started Off...
39 ESL Warm-Ups: For English Teachers of Kids (7+) Who Want to Get their TEFL Classes Started Off...
Check Price on Amazon
Jackie Bolen

Disclosure Statement

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Adult Activities
  • Kid Activities
  • Textbooks
  • Teacher Resources
  • Learn English

Our Top-Seller

39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities: For Teenagers and Adults (Teaching ESL Conversation and...
Check Price on Amazon

Search

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities

making weekend plans in english

Weekend Plans (Easy English Dialogue for Beginners)

how to order sushi in English

Ordering Sushi (Easy English Dialogue for Beginners)

English dialogue feeling under the weather

Feeling Under the Weather: English Dialogue & Practice Questions

dialogue meet someone new

Meeting Someone New Dialogue (For English Learners)

About, Contact, Privacy Policy

Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL speaking since 2014 and the goal is to bring you the best recommendations for English conversation games, activities, lesson plans and more. It’s your go-to source for everything TEFL!

About and Contact for ESL Speaking.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook

Pinterest

TikTok

YouTube

LinkedIn

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

Copyright © 2025 Jackie Bolen + ESL Speaking. All Rights Reserved.