Modul 4: Idiom 22: In Hot Water

In Hot Water

Hi. Let’s take a look at the Idiom, ‘in hot water.’ To be ‘in hot water’ means you are in trouble and you are going to be disciplined – like this kid in school – or punished.  

So what is the origin of this idiom?

This saying first came into use back in the 16th Century. The phrase refers to a method that was used to get rid of intruders. An intruder is a person that enters somewhere illegally. So, how did they get rid of – make themselves free – from these intruders? They poured hot water over them. So the intruders were in trouble because they were about to have hot water tipped/poured all over them. Being burned by hot water is definitely not a good situation to be in. 

Take a look at our illustration.

Here we can see a man in a huge pot filled with water. Is he taking a bath? No. Look at his face, he is in pain. Can you see the steam rising off of the water? It is being heated by the fire underneath the pot. The water is burning his skin. He is in a bad situation being in that water. 

Here are some examples before we go to the concept questions…

“Jimmy stole money from his mum’s purse and now he’s in hot water. She is going to yell at him.”

“I have to be careful with what I say around my little sister because I’m still in hot water from the last time she got me in trouble.”

“If you don’t get these assignments in on time then you will be in hot water.”

“Jake is in hot water, so he won’t be going out tonight with his friends.”

“The police caught me shoplifting a necklace and now I’m in hot water.”

 Great. 

Let’s look at some situations and check your understanding: 

1. It was the third week in a row that David would be late for football training. Would David be in hot water?  Yes. His coach would be angry that he has delayed the start of training yet again.
2. Lee always had a sarcastic reply ready when challenged by his parents.  Will Lee’s sharp tongue land him in hot water one day? Probably, yes. His rude replies might eventually get him into trouble.
3. Mike was having his friends round for a poker night.  In his excitement at winning big, he spilt red wine on the carpet. Would Mike be in hot water when his wife gets home?  Yes. His wife won’t be pleased to see the stain on the carpet.
4. Whilst Charlotte’s parents were out for the day, she decided to surprise them by tidying the whole house and having dinner ready for them when they arrived home.  Would Charlotte be in hot water with her parents?  No. Her parents would be delighted – very happy – with her.
5. Carey’s wife had recorded the last episode of her favourite TV show, but he accidentally recorded over it with the motor racing.  Would Carey be in hot water?  Yes. His wife would be cross that she’d miss the last episode.

 Great. Now go and practise. See you soon.