troubled waters

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a confused or chaotic state of affairs.

   The situation was terrible, but like many politicians he was attracted by troubled waters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of troubled waters¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

In March 2025, he said his Milan show aimed to pour oil on the troubled waters of global politics.

From BBC

But the nation still faces — and hasn’t yet fallen over — the precipice between troubled waters and full-on crisis, they said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Troubled waters are slamming against some of our most fundamental principles,” he said.

From New York Times

“The economy is in troubled waters.”

From Seattle Times

It’s also a Biden noticeably advancing in age, experiencing some salient political weakness as an octogenarian trying to steer the country through troubled waters.

From Slate