in too deep
Involved in a situation to the extent that one cannot cope or escape.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am in too deep with this project to quit now.”
“He started gambling to make extra money, but he soon realized he was in too deep and could not pay his debts.”
“By the time she recognized the moral compromises required by her new position, she was already in too deep to withdraw without destroying her reputation.”
Derived from a swimming metaphor, the phrase indicates a position in water where one can no longer stand. Under modern usage, it suggests a level of involvement from which withdrawal is difficult.
- 01
deep cut
An obscure song by a well known musician.
- 02
deep dive
An in-depth examination or analysis of a topic.
- 03
deep down
Fundamentally; in essence; in reality
- 04
deep pockets
An ample supply of money, especially money which one is willing to spend; the possessor of such money.
- 05
deep six
To discard, get rid of, or cancel; to completely put an end to something.
- 06
deep thinker
A person whose thoughts are profound; an intellectual.
- 07
deep water
A difficult or embarrassing situation.
- 08
dig deep
To make a lot of effort with all one's resources.
Last updated August 10, 2026