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be in hot water

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be in hot water

To have provoked or incited anger, hostility, or punishment against oneself; to have caused or encountered trouble or difficulty, especially that which will result in punishment or reprisal. I was in a bit of hot water with Janice last night when she found out I went to the movies instead of cleaning out the garage. The senator is in hot water with constituents over his callous remarks.

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be in hot water

if someone is in hot water, people are angry with them and they are likely to be punished He found himself in hot water over his speech about immigration.

See also: hot, water