deep water

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deep water (countable and uncountable, plural deep waters)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see deep,‎ water.
2. Waters suitable for deep-draft ships, especially ocean-going.
   • 1940, Federal Writers' Project, Texas: A Guide to the Lone Star State, page 71:

     But deep water was not secured until 1926, when Corpus Christi dug itself out 21 miles to the sea.

3. (idiomatic) A difficult or embarrassing situation.

   You will be in deep water if you are found copying work from other students.

• deep-water (adjective)