TO BE IN HOT-WATER, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To be in trouble, in difficulties, or worried.
1846. Punch’s Almanack, 29 Nov. The Times first printed by steam, 1814, and has kept the country in HOT WATER ever since.
1864. MARK LEMON, The Jest Book, p. 238. Lord Allen, in conversation with Rogers, the poet, observed: ‘I never put my razor into hot water, as I find it injures the temper of the blade.’ ‘No doubt of it,’ replied Rogers; ‘show me the blade that is not out of temper when plunged into HOT WATER.’
