in deep water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in deep water" is a common and correct phrase in written English and can be used to describe a difficult or complicated situation.
Example: "The company has found itself in deep water after their newest product was found to be defective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most basket stars live in deep water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was in deep water".

The Guardian

Now he's in deep water again.

The Guardian

That shot ended up in deep water last month.

The Economist

Steel catenary risers (SCRs) are widely used in deep water.

Ocean Engineering

"Her passivity ends her up in deep water," says Ms. Nixon.

The New York Times

Acoustic signals that help pinpoint the boxes in deep water stop after about 30 days.

The Guardian

Some of the five fleets are in deep water, where wreckage may be fairly well preserved.

The New York Times - Science

Though it feeds off Long Island, it generally stays in deep water, Mr. Bowman said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Projects in Canada's oil sands, in deep-water and Arctic oil fields, look worryingly costly.

The Economist

She focuses on the application of technology used in deep-water oil drilling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in deep water" in writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal or figurative situation. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in deep water" in contexts where the intended meaning could be misinterpreted. If describing a literal aquatic scenario, consider adding clarifying details to distinguish it from a metaphorical difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in deep water" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe a state or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

23%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in deep water" is a versatile idiom used to describe challenging or complex situations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans from literal aquatic environments to metaphorical predicaments in business, personal relationships, and more. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to ensure clarity in context to avoid misinterpretation. Common errors include confusing the literal and figurative meanings, but with thoughtful usage, this phrase can effectively convey a sense of being overwhelmed or facing considerable difficulty. Alternatives like "in a predicament" or "out of one's depth" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in troubled waters

A metaphorical phrase indicating a period of difficulty or instability, closely related to "in deep water".

in over one's head

Similar to 'out of one's depth', implying a situation beyond one's capacity to handle, comparable to the challenges suggested by "in deep water".

in a difficult situation

A more general term for being in trouble or facing challenges, similar to the figurative meaning of "in deep water".

out of one's depth

Indicates a lack of ability to understand or deal with a situation, relating to the feeling of being overwhelmed "in deep water".

in a predicament

Focuses on the state of being in a difficult or troublesome situation, similar to being "in deep water".

in a tight spot

Implies being in a difficult or constrained situation, similar to the pressure suggested by "in deep water".

facing adversity

Highlights the confrontation with challenging circumstances, akin to the struggles implied by "in deep water".

in dire straits

Indicates a situation of extreme difficulty or distress, reflecting the severity implied by "in deep water".

embroiled in trouble

Emphasizes being deeply involved in a problematic situation, analogous to the complexities suggested by "in deep water".

in a crisis

Highlights being in a critical or dangerous situation, sharing the sense of urgency with "in deep water".

FAQs

How can I use "in deep water" in a sentence?

You can use "in deep water" to describe being in a difficult or precarious situation. For example, "The company found itself "in deep water" after the scandal broke".

What's the difference between "in deep water" and "in deep trouble"?

While similar, "in deep water" often implies a situation that's complex and potentially overwhelming, whereas "in deep trouble" suggests more immediate and direct consequences.

What can I say instead of "in deep water"?

You can use alternatives like "in a predicament", "facing adversity", or "out of one's depth" depending on the context.

Is "in deep water" an idiom?

Yes, "in deep water" is an idiom that means being in a difficult or problematic situation. It's not always literal and often used metaphorically.