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Definitions

in hot water

ADJECTIVE
behind the eight ball
Synonyms
WEAK
in Dutch in a pickle in a tight spot on the hot seat on-the-spot out on a limb up the creek

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.

This suggests that immersion in hot water may interfere with lice activity or where they lay their eggs.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

The video quickly went viral and landed Martinez, who is among the field of candidates challenging Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in his bid for reelection, in hot water.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

However, that practice landed Venture Global in hot water after it kept contracted customers waiting for gas in 2022 from its Calcasieu Pass terminal, which was under construction in Louisiana at the time.

From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025

It wouldn’t be the last time that a regrettable decision about spilling on NBA players would land Jones in hot water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

I said one night as I measured out our gichy-michy ration and put it to soak in hot water.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin