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

Her brother feels it every time he puts on a jacket or turns on the hot water in the shower.

From Los Angeles Times

These networks allow hot water or steam to reach multiple buildings, all connected up with many kilometres of pipe.

From BBC

Or homemade banana drinks, such as hot water steeped with banana peels and strained, or blended banana smoothies.

From Los Angeles Times

The CDC also recommends washing laundry in hot water.

From Los Angeles Times

Hospitals traditionally connect with natural gas lines several times bigger than those connected to residential homes, to ensure that rooms are always warm or cool enough and have sufficient hot water.

From Los Angeles Times