meaning of "deep water"

[Manul]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #408 "Water Idioms", question 4

After all the money that she's borrowed and also spent, she now finds herself in deep water -- means: ..........

(a) in decline
(b) in despair
(c) in defeat
(d) in trouble

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #408 "Water Idioms", answer 4

After all the money that she's borrowed and also spent, she now finds herself in deep water -- means: in trouble.

Correct answer: (d) in trouble
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deep water?

Manul

[Alan]

Hi Manul,

'Deep water' suggesting 'in trouble' or 'in difficulties' possibly comes from the idea that if you are swimming in a river and you find you can't swim any more because you are tired, you could drown if your feet can't touch the river bed because the water is too 'deep'.

Alan
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