English idioms: trouble at work

Some idiomatic phrases about getting into and out of trouble.

Listen, read, and guess what the idioms mean.  Then check below.

In Hot Water

MIKE: Tom’s in hot water.

JAKE: Why? What’s he done?

MIKE: He borrowed a company car without permission and smashed it up.

JAKE: Is he OK?

MIKE: Yes, he’s fine, but I wouldn’t like to be in his shoes when the boss finds out.

JAKE: Oh, he’ll make up a good story and get off the hook. He always does.

image: illustration

Meanings

in hot water – in trouble, likely to be punished or criticised

in someone’s shoes – in their situation

off the hook – out of trouble, not blamed or punished
It can also mean ‘released from an obligation’:
Sam has offered to organise the party, so that lets me off the hook.

Practice: choose the right idiom.

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