Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: To get into trouble
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is an idiom question testing your understanding of the expression "to get into hot waters". In idiomatic English, hot water is a metaphor for serious difficulty or trouble, especially when a person has done something wrong and may face punishment or criticism. Recognising this phrase is important for understanding informal conversations, news headlines, and narrative writing.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In English idiom, to be in hot water or to get into hot water means to find oneself in trouble, often with authorities, one's boss, or family, due to something wrong or foolish that has been done. It does not specifically refer to money, confusion, or impatience, nor does it suggest comfort or relaxation. Therefore, the option that mentions getting into trouble is the most accurate explanation of this phrase.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that hot water in this context is metaphorical, representing a difficult or dangerous situation.
Step 2: Look for an option that summarises this as being in trouble.
Step 3: Option C To get into trouble fits perfectly, capturing the core meaning of the idiom.
Step 4: Option A To be impatient is unrelated to the idea of facing consequences for wrongdoing.
Step 5: Option B To suffer a huge financial loss focuses on money; while such a loss can cause trouble, the idiom is not limited to financial contexts.
Step 6: Option D To be in a confused state of mind suggests mental confusion, which is a different condition from being in trouble.
Step 7: Option E To relax in comfort is the opposite of being in hot water and therefore clearly wrong.
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider sentences like: "He got into hot water with his boss after missing the deadline" or "The minister is in hot water over the corruption scandal." In each case, the idea is clearly that the person is in trouble and might face punishment. If we substitute "got into trouble" in these examples, the meaning remains the same. Substituting "became impatient" or "suffered a financial loss" would distort the meaning. This confirms that getting into trouble is the idiom's correct sense.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A To be impatient addresses how quickly someone loses patience but does not involve external trouble or consequences.
Option B To suffer a huge financial loss is too narrow; hot water can result from many types of mistakes, not only financial ones.
Option D To be in a confused state of mind refers to mental uncertainty rather than being under pressure or scrutiny from others.
Option E To relax in comfort is almost the opposite of the discomfort and danger suggested by hot water.
Common Pitfalls:
Because financial scandals are common in news reports, learners sometimes associate trouble only with money. However, idioms like in hot water apply to any situation where someone is facing difficulty or punishment—legal, social, or personal. When answering idiom questions, always look for the broad, commonly taught meaning rather than a narrow or overly specific interpretation.
Final Answer:
The phrase "to get into hot waters" means to get into trouble.
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