Meaning: In trouble or facing a difficult situation due to one's actions.
Hindi: मुसीबत में होना
Synonyms: in trouble, in a fix, in a bind
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2023 T-2 · SSC Steno 2023 T-1 · SSC MTS 2023 · SSC CGL 2022 T-1
in hot water in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2023 T-2 Idioms & Phrases
Select the sentence that gives the most appropriate meaning of the idiom ‘In hot water’.
(SSC CHSL 2023 T-2 (2 Nov))Answer & explanation
Answer: D) After accidentally breaking the valuable vase, Sarah found herself in trouble with her parents.
The sentence that gives the most appropriate meaning of the idiom 'In hot water' is: "After accidentally breaking the valuable vase, Sarah found herself in trouble with her parents."
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The idiom "in hot water" means to be in trouble or facing a difficult situation. - SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
What does the idiom ‘In hot water’ mean?
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Facing trouble
Meaning: in hot water = in trouble, facing punishment or difficulty *(मुसीबत में, संकट में)*.
"He is in hot water with the boss after missing the deadline."
The idiom says nothing about water at all — it means facing trouble.
Origin.
Hot water scalds; being dropped in it is painful. The phrase has meant "in trouble" since the 1500s.
Why the others are wrong.
• taking a bath *(नहाना)* — the literal picture; idioms are never read literally. To lose money heavily is "to take a bath".
• enjoying spa *(स्पा का आनंद लेना)* — also literal, and the opposite mood: the idiom is discomfort, not relaxation.
• traveling *(यात्रा करना)* — no water idiom means travel; "on the road" does.
Word help.
idiom = - SSC Steno 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To be in hot waterAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) To get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being criticised or punished
Answer: (d) To get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being criticised or punished
Explanation:
• The idiom "to be in hot water" means to be in trouble or in a situation where you may face criticism or punishment (किसी मुसीबत में पड़ना, जहाँ सज़ा या आलोचना हो सकती है).
• It is figurative, not literal — it does not involve actual danger like choking, drowning, or burning.
✅ So, the correct meaning is: to be in a difficult situation with risk of being criticised or punished. - SSC CGL 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
In hot watersAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) To be in trouble
Answer: To be in trouble
Explanation:
The idiom in hot waters means to be in difficulty or trouble (मुसीबत में). The other choices don’t fit:
• “in a hot climate” is literal, not idiomatic
• “to feel relaxed” is the opposite sense
• “to dip in hot water” is a literal action, not an idiom. - SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Into hot waterAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) Into trouble
Answer: (2) Into trouble
Solution:
• The idiom "into hot water" means to get into trouble or difficulty (मुसीबत में पड़ जाना)
• It refers to being in a problematic or challenging situation because of one's actions or mistakes
Other options explained:
• Not on good terms – having a bad relationship, but not necessarily trouble ❌
• Came to nothing – failed or was unsuccessful ❌
• In favour with – being liked or supported ❌
Therefore, the correct meaning of the idiom "into hot water" is (2) Into trouble ✅
Examples
- “He landed in hot water after missing the project deadline.”
in hot water – questions
What is the meaning of in hot water in Hindi?
in hot water means “मुसीबत में होना” in Hindi. In English: In trouble or facing a difficult situation due to one's actions.
What are the synonyms of in hot water?
Synonyms of in hot water: in trouble, in a fix, in a bind.
Has in hot water been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – in hot water has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC CHSL 2023 T-2, SSC Steno 2023 T-1, SSC MTS 2023, SSC CGL 2022 T-1.