troubled waters

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of troubled waters

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 12, 2025

Through all the ups and downs of the past few weeks, one things hasn’t changed: Britain’s economy is still in troubled waters.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2022

Winfrey reflected on her dad, Vernon Winfrey, as "a bridge over troubled waters."

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2022

While the Pixel 6 siblings have had some troubled waters with software updates, they still have some of the best cameras in a smartphone — and arguably some of the best Android phones around.

From The Verge • May 28, 2022

“His presence,” Myrta said, “was like oil on troubled waters, as mother often said to him. He was so kind, so gentle and thoughtful that we forgot our cares and worries.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson