In hot water Meaning: to be in hot water is to be in trouble or difficulty Or in a situation that may result in punishment. Examples: Tim cant play today; hes in hot water over his grade. The beloved actress found herself in hot water today when she attempted to shoplift an item from a department. Jeff got himself in hot water in school by cheating in an exam. Recent IELTS Exam Join @RecentIELTSExam 1.3K views07:30