hot water: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very High (both meanings)Neutral to Informal (literal); Informal to Idiomatic (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “hot water” mean?
Water that has been heated above body temperature, typically for washing, cooking, or making hot drinks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Water that has been heated above body temperature, typically for washing, cooking, or making hot drinks.
A state of trouble, difficulty, or danger, often as a result of one's own actions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences for the literal meaning. The idiomatic usage is equally common in both dialects.
Connotations
Literally neutral. Figuratively implies a mild to moderate, often self-inflicted, predicament.
Frequency
Both uses are very frequent, with the idiom 'in hot water' being a staple colloquial expression.
Grammar
How to Use “hot water” in a Sentence
run the hot wateradd hot water tobe in hot water with (someone)get into hot water over (something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot water” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The immersion heater is hotting up the water.
- They hot-water washed the linen.
American English
- The geyser heats the water.
- They hot-washed the fabric.
adjective
British English
- He used a hot-water bottle to warm the bed.
- We need a new hot-water cylinder.
American English
- She used a heating pad (not common: hot-water bottle).
- We need a new hot-water heater.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new policy landed the manager in hot water with the board."
Academic
"The researcher found herself in hot water after the data discrepancy was discovered."
Everyday
"Careful, the hot water from that tap is very hot." / "He's in hot water for forgetting their anniversary."
Technical
"The system regulates the flow of domestic hot water to the outlets."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot water”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot water”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot water”
- Using the idiom without the preposition 'in' (e.g., Incorrect: 'He is hot water.' Correct: 'He is IN hot water.')
- Confusing 'hot water' with 'hot seat' (which implies intense scrutiny).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily in compound nouns like 'hot-water heater' (US) or 'hot-water cylinder' (UK). It's not a standalone adjective.
No, it is informal to neutral. In formal writing, synonyms like 'in a predicament' or 'facing repercussions' are preferable.
'Boiling water' is at 100°C (212°F) and is actively bubbling. 'Hot water' is any water heated above ambient temperature, which can range from warm to scalding.
It typically denotes mild to moderate trouble, often social or disciplinary. For severe legal or life-threatening trouble, phrases like 'deep trouble' or 'in jeopardy' are stronger.
Water that has been heated above body temperature, typically for washing, cooking, or making hot drinks.
Hot water: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒt ˈwɔːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːt ˈwɔːtɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in hot water”
- “get into hot water”
- “pour oil on troubled waters (related concept)”
- “hot and cold running water”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cartoon character sitting in a pot of boiling water—that's being IN HOT WATER (trouble).
Conceptual Metaphor
TROUBLE IS A HOT LIQUID (one can be 'in' it, it's uncomfortable, and one wants to 'get out').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'in hot water' mean?