in trouble with

Idioms

In difficulties with someone, especially an authority. For example, If they don't shovel their walk, they'll be in trouble with their neighbors. This idiom is also put as, as in Watch what you say or you'll get into trouble with the teacher. [Mid-1500s] Also see hot water; in a fix.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You’re going to get me in trouble with my wife.

From Los Angeles Times

That could, however, land Gabon in trouble with football's world governing body FIFA, which bans government interference in the affairs of its member associations.

From Barron's

Young Boys have regularly been in trouble with Uefa, and only last week the threat of a ban on travelling fans was lifted after a two-year probation expired.

From BBC

“Is our young playwright in trouble with the law? I am disappointed to hear it. He hardly seemed the type.”

From Literature

He started at the SEC in 2002 to help with compliance at a time when several schools were in trouble with the NCAA, and became commissioner in 2015.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023