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Glite Dictionary
in trouble

in trouble

∞ 2.9
In difficulty and likely to face bad results because of a mistake or bad situation
  • idiom
  • /ɪn ˈtrʌbəl/
translation icon : en problemas
  • After missing the deadline, she knew she was in trouble with her teacher.
  • get in trouble
  • in trouble with the law
  • help people in trouble

How would a guy knowing he's in trouble not run?

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Examples

  • You stand up for yourself and defend yourself; then you get in trouble.

    Academic text (2013)

  • Like when people are in trouble, you're supposed to help them.

  • I thought that you were in trouble, and I wanted to help.

  • You trying to get me in trouble again?

    Jack Be Nimble (2022)

  • -My sister got in trouble a lot when we were kids.

    The Kill Room (2023)

  • I just think you can deal with people in trouble using compassion.

  • But he knew he was in trouble because he fled town.

  • You know, when anybody's in trouble, I like to help them out.

    Waterloo Bridge (1931)

  • But now they're in trouble with these allegations.

  • The implicit threat is you could be in trouble if you publish this.

Synonyms

in a bad way
vsin trouble
17 6.0

Very sick or having serious money problems

refers to difficulty or likely negative consequences from wrongdoing or mistakes
in a jam
vsin trouble
  • Informal
14 6.7

In trouble and needing help to fix a problem

focuses more on likely negative consequences or blame rather than how hard to fix
in hot water
vsin trouble
  • Informal
12 4.1

In trouble because you did something wrong

is used more broadly for difficulty or likely negative consequences from various causes
in for it
vsin trouble
  • Informal
11 8.1

About to get into trouble because of something you did

is broader and covers difficulty or likely consequences beyond punishment
in the soup
vsin trouble
  • Archaic
4 9.3

In trouble because of a problem

is used especially for difficulty likely caused by wrongdoing or mistakes
in a spot of bother
vsin trouble
  • UK
1 8.6

A small problem that causes worry and needs help

is more serious and implies real difficulty or likely negative consequences
in Dutch
vsin trouble
  • Archaic
1 9.9

In trouble with someone in charge

applies more generally to difficulty or likely consequences beyond authority conflicts

Antonyms

in the clear
  • Informal
33 4.4

Not in danger, trouble, or under suspicion

How Troubled

dire straits
  • Informal
11 7.4
in trouble
∞ 2.9
fine
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

in trouble positive

Morphology

in + trouble

The meaning 'experiencing difficulty or likely to face negative consequences' is directly compositional from 'in' (indicating being in a state or location) + 'trouble' (a condition of difficulty). This LOCATIVE/state construction is cross-linguistically common and follows a basic, predictable pattern that a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer.

Etymology

In trouble gives a simple image: someone stuck in a pit of trouble, like trapped in a storm or hole and unable to get out. So it means 'having problems' or 'likely to have bad results'.