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27 cze 2011 · This idiom means to be in big trouble or be in an embarrassing situation with someone. It originated in the early 1500s. It may refer to when you're cooking and you spill hot water or hot food. You would be in trouble. Hot water is definitely something you don't want to be in except in a hot bath!
Origin. Dating back to at least the 1600s, this phrase alludes the being in water hot enough to burn. There was a custom in ancient times of pouring a pan or cauldron full of boiling water on unwelcome intruders or enemies to get them to retreat. This could be from the upstairs window of a house or maybe from a castle wall. Share your opinions.
The idiom in hot water means to be in trouble or be involved with something dangerously difficult. Its origins can be traced back to the idea of literally being in uncomfortably hot or boiling water—a clearly undesirable situation.
The origin of the phrase ‘in hot water’ can be traced back to the literal sense of hot water being uncomfortable or unpleasant to be in. The idiom likely originated in the late 17th or early 18th century, with ‘hot’ being used metaphorically to signify trouble or difficulty.
idiom (also get into hot water) Add to word list. to be in or get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being criticized or punished: He found himself in hot water over his comments about immigration. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
22 cze 2024 · Saying someone is “in hot water” usually doesn’t mean they’re bathing. Instead, it means they’re in trouble or facing difficulties. It’s like feeling the burn of hot water in a tough spot. This idiom, “in hot water,” teaches us how to switch between literal and figurative language.
24 sie 2019 · The expression to be in hot water was used more than 500 years ago to mean being in trouble. One story says that the meaning comes from the custom of throwing boiling water down on enemies...