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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ankle-deep

Then, when it rains — like it did this year — the mud can become thick and ankle-deep.

From Salon ● Sep. 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

That feeling is shared by fishermen ankle-deep in creek bed on the outskirts of town, drawn to the area by the allure of some of the world's finest salmon.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2025

The sound of rushing water echoed from the walls as an ankle-deep stream flowed from the portal and cascaded into a churning pool beneath metal gates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2025

I hopped through the cold ankle-deep water, then leaped over the small knee-high whitewash, splashing everywhere with my hands and breathing in the salty air.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña

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