ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in too deep

idiom
Meaning

Involved in a situation to the extent that one cannot cope or escape.


Origin

disputed origin

By a swimming metaphor.

Examples
SIMPLE

I am in too deep with this project to quit now.

CONTEXTUAL

He started gambling to make extra money, but he soon realized he was in too deep and could not pay his debts.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    deep cut

    An obscure song by a well known musician.

  2. 02

    deep dive

    An in-depth examination or analysis of a topic.

  3. 03

    deep down

    Fundamentally; in essence; in reality

  4. 04

    deep pockets

    An ample supply of money, especially money which one is willing to spend; the possessor of such money.

  5. 05

    deep six

    To discard, get rid of, or cancel; to completely put an end to something.

  6. 06

    deep thinker

    A person whose thoughts are profound; an intellectual.

  7. 07

    deep water

    A difficult or embarrassing situation.

  8. 08

    dig deep

    To make a lot of effort with all one's resources.

Last updated April 17, 2026