Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

in trouble with

Idioms  

  1. 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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 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

Early in the show’s run, Todd Bridges’ Willis on “Diff’rent Strokes” defined the big brother, a partner in crime you could get in trouble with but would also stick up for you.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2025

When I was little and in trouble with Du Barry, I'd hide in our library.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.