ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in at the deep end

idiom
Meaning

Placed in a complex situation (especially work-related) without adequate preparation or experience.


Origin

disputed origin

Derived from the slope in a swimming pool, which is shallow at one side, for beginners, and has a deeper section designed for more experienced swimmers.

Examples
SIMPLE

My new boss threw me in at the deep end today.

CONTEXTUAL

They gave me a huge project on my first day, throwing me in at the deep end.

COMPLEX

Despite his lack of formal training, the manager was thrown in at the deep end to lead the company through its most difficult financial crisis.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    arse end of nowhere

    A very remote place.

  2. 02

    big end of town

    The top end of town.

  3. 03

    bitter end

    The end of a long and difficult process.

  4. 04

    business end

    The part of an object (chiefly a tool or weapon) that is physically used for its operation, rather than some other part such as the part by which it is held.

  5. 05

    come to a sticky end

    To die unpleasantly due to one's actions.

  6. 06

    come to an end

    To stop; to cease; to no longer continue.

  7. 07

    dead end

    A street or path or tunnel that goes nowhere or is blocked on one end.

  8. 08

    deep cut

    An obscure song by a well known musician.

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