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.

Nix was no stranger to being in trouble with the law.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

“It was like, ‘Ha ha, you’re not going to be the one who gets in trouble with this because you’re McKay Coppins,’ ” Ostacher told me.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

He makes corporate announcements on the social-media platform now known as X, including one about possibly taking Tesla private that got him in trouble with regulators.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

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 • Jan. 1, 2026

He does not want to be in trouble with the Gestapo.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

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