idioms

  hot water  informal (trouble; a difficult situation) James got in hot water because he crashed his father’s car into a tree. We’re already in hot water over the cost of raw materials.   envocabulary.com

  get in gear  informal (to start working effectively, making progress) We have to get in gear if we want to finish this job today. The company finally got its production in gear.   envocabulary.com

  play with fire (to do something dangerous or risky) You must stick to your diet if you don’t want to play with fire. Leaving your door unlocked during the night is playing with fire.   envocabulary.com

  a tough row to hoe (a very difficult situation to deal with) My father had a tough row to hoe with four children to take care of. You will have a tough row to hoe when you have to support a big family.   envocabulary.com

  rub elbows (to meet and talk with someone socially) At the party, I was able to rub elbows with a famous singer. I’m worried that my son might rub elbows with criminals.   envocabulary.com