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

On Monday, when it first emerged that Stokes and Gus Atkinson were in hot water, there was an immediate feeling it would spell the end of Stokes' captaincy.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Geochemical testing of the stromatolites revealed signs of both extraterrestrial material and nearby bedrock, along with evidence that the structures were altered by hot water.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

And because I had already used my good stock earlier in the week for pastina, I improvised with bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water and zhushed up with a little white miso and garlic powder.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

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

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