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knee-deep

American  
[nee-deep] / ˈniˈdip /

adjective

  1. reaching the knees.

    knee-deep mud.

  2. submerged or covered up to the knees.

    knee-deep in water.

  3. deeply embroiled; enmeshed; involved.

    knee-deep in trouble.


knee-deep British  

adjective

  1. so deep as to reach or cover the knees

    knee-deep mud

    1. sunk or covered to the knees

      knee-deep in sand

    2. immersed; deeply involved

      knee-deep in work

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of knee-deep

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It made a good trail through the knee-deep snow.

From Literature

The temporary ice rink was constructed in the centre of the town's piazza, leaving Pavrotti's statue knee-deep in ice and surrounded by perspex walls.

From BBC

Six months after Liar’s Poker was published, I was knee-deep in letters from students at Ohio State University who wanted to know if I had any other secrets to share about Wall Street.

From Literature

One slope climbed so high that she rose up from the ocean surface and continued on, wading through knee-deep water.

From Literature

Rescuers and relatives searched knee-deep in water for the body of one-year-old Zara.

From BBC