ankle-deep

American  

[ang-kuhl-deep] / ˈæŋ kəlˈdip /

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.

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adverb

1. as high as the ankles.

   Rainwater ran ankle-deep.

Etymology

Origin of ankle-deep

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

It was as if the offense was ankle-deep in mud, a credit of course to New England’s swarming defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

Shopowner Chayaphol Promkleng thought at first that his business would be spared because flooding was "only ankle-deep".

From Barron's • Nov. 28, 2025

They shared photos of him, standing in ankle-deep mud, visiting victims of a flood.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2023

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said flood waters were waist-deep in one house on Almere Ferry Road, while several others were ankle-deep in water.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2023

I always knock the people in Blanca’s church, but a lot of them were right there that night helping us move our things, everyone splashing around ankle-deep in water.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez