When it rains, it pours

[0544] In hot water

🎲 At the end of your rope
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To be in trouble or difficulty, especially in a situation where one is likely to face criticism, anger, or punishment from someone in authority.

Origin

  • The imagery is of the discomfort and danger of being immersed in scalding water.
  • Used figuratively since at least the 16th century to describe being in a difficult or perilous situation where one might get burned (suffer negative consequences).

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • In trouble.
  • In a jam. / In a fix. / In a tight spot.
  • Up the creek (without a paddle). (Informal)
  • In deep doo-doo. (Childish/euphemistic slang)
  • Facing the music. (Having to accept consequences)
  • In the doghouse. (Specifically, being out of favor with someone close, like a partner or boss).

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • In deep shit. (Vulgar)
  • Screwed. / Totally screwed. (Vulgar)
  • In a bind.
  • On thin ice. (In a precarious situation, likely to get into trouble)
  • Got some heat on them. (Facing pressure/criticism)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Up shit creek without a paddle.
  • In a world of shit.
  • His/Her ass is on the line. / His/Her ass is grass. (Meaning they are in big trouble)

Milder/Formal:

  • In a difficult position.
  • Facing disciplinary action.
  • Under scrutiny.
  • Experiencing repercussions.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Common in gossip, discussing problems, or warning someone. Avoid using it lightly about serious formal investigations.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally clear. The context usually indicates the source of the trouble (boss, parents, law, partner etc.). The *level* of trouble can vary greatly.

Examples

  • He's in hot water with his parents for failing the exam.
  • The company is in hot water over allegations of tax evasion.
  • I forgot our anniversary, so I'm definitely in hot water.

Dialogue

Anna: Did you hear about Leo?

Ben: No, what's going on?

Anna: He accidentally sent that confidential email to the entire company mailing list. He's in hot water with HR.

Ben: Oh wow, seriously? That's a huge mistake. He must be panicking.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Celebrity caught in another scandal... looks like they're in hot water again. #CelebGossip #Scandal
  • Forum Post (Workplace): My team missed a major deadline because of me. Pretty sure I'm in hot water with the manager. Any advice on how to handle the meeting tomorrow?

Response Patterns

  • Oh dear, what happened?
  • Uh oh, that doesn't sound good.
  • How much trouble is he/she/are they in?
  • What are they going to do?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing someone is in hot water:

  • Ask for the cause: Why? What did they do?
  • Inquire about the severity: How serious is it?
  • Ask about potential consequences: What's likely to happen?
  • Offer advice (if appropriate): They should probably apologize...

The person sharing the information might:

  • Explain the reason for the trouble.
  • Speculate about the outcome.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Used to describe someone's (or one's own) difficult predicament.

Intonation

  • Emphasis typically on HOT WATER.
  • Often spoken with a tone of concern, warning, or sometimes gossip. He's in HOT WATER.

Generation Differences

  • Common and understood across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Widely used and understood in all major English-speaking regions.
When it rains, it pours
🎲 At the end of your rope