hot water

American  

noun

Informal.

1. trouble; a predicament.

   His skipping classes will get him into real hot water when exam time comes.

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hot water Idioms  

1. Trouble or difficulty, as in She's deep in political hot water, or We got in hot water over the car deal, or He's finally paid his tuition and is out of hot water with the school. This metaphoric term alludes to water hot enough to burn one. [First half of 1500s] Also see in trouble with.

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Etymology

Origin of hot water

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

The internet’s most controversial looksmaxxer is in hot water again.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

As energy bills soar elsewhere in the world, "Our property manager has announced a 20 percent reduction in heating and hot water bills for 2026 and 2027," rejoices the 69-year-old retiree.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

A squirt of dish soap, a cup of hot water, a few pulses, a quick brush.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Cochrane’s breakthrough was to use pressurized water—spraying hot water upward onto dishes, which were held in place by metal racks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“Hey, we’re in 109 and the hot water isn’t working.”

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist