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Region: General | Usage example: The startup was in deep water after missing the deadline.

In deep water

Meaning

In serious trouble.

Usage

Used when someone is overwhelmed.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Water imagery for being too far from shore.

Used in nautical writing before spreading into general usage.

Related Idioms

In hot water

In trouble.

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Come hell or high water

No matter what obstacles appear.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.