ankle-deep

[ang-kuhl-deep]

adjective

1. high enough to reach or cover the ankles.

   ankle-deep mud.

2. deeply involved or entangled.

   He is ankle-deep in financial troubles.

adverb

1. as high as the ankles.

   Rainwater ran ankle-deep.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ankle-deep¹

First recorded in 1755–65