THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In hot water
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To be in trouble or facing difficulties, especially for doing something wrong.
Usage note: keep in mind
Being in hot water means being in trouble, often with someone in authority because of a mistake or unacceptable action. Use with to name the person: in hot water with the manager. Use over to explain the issue.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the meeting without notice.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
He’s ________ with his boss for missing the meeting without notice.
Show the answer
In hot water — To be in trouble or facing difficulties, especially for doing something wrong.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In hot water” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To be in trouble or facing difficulties, especially for doing something wrong.
Compare: He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the meeting without notice.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- I was in hot water with my teacher over the missing assignment.
- The team got into hot water after publishing the wrong schedule.
Check your understanding
Complete the relationship: 'He is in hot water ___ his supervisor ___ the late report.'
Check your answer
With his supervisor over the late report. With identifies the person; over introduces the issue causing the trouble.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where in hot water fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.