knee-deep

Examples

• All

• One of them is that we're knee deep in a Stoicism class that's focused particularly on Epictetus's Discourses.

• If you are knee deep in the data, why aren't you in agreement?

• And so it was we were so knee deep in it in understanding that this was the language that was used in small town Pennsylvania.

• You were certainly knee-deep in conversation.

  Pal Joey (1957)

• So I'm like knee deep in the situation with the divide, right?

• Then again, I'm knee-deep in research.

  Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

• And when you are so knee deep in your ideology, you tend to just dismiss folks on the other side.

  Megyn Kelly

• I know you're probably knee-deep in that crisis.

  A Simple Favor (2018)

• We're knee-deep in layoffs.

  North Country (2005)

• She was knee-deep in her studies, trying to prepare for the challenging exams ahead.

Synonyms

D

deep

vsknee-deep

603 1.0

Very strong or intense, for example very dark

refers specifically to being immersed or involved rather than general intensity

W

wrapped up

vsknee-deep

• Informal

62 4.8

Very interested and completely involved in something

also describes immersion but more neutrally and possibly literally

I

in too deep

vsknee-deep

• Informal

12 7.4

Too involved in a problem or situation to get out easily

means deep immersion but not necessarily trapped or unable to withdraw

W

waist-deep

vsknee-deep

5 2.9

Up to someone's waist in water or snow

is broader and often used figuratively for being immersed in a situation

N

neck-deep

vsknee-deep

4 6.9

Very involved in a difficult situation that is hard to manage

is similar but can mean simple immersion, not only strong difficulty

U

up to my neck

vsknee-deep

• Informal

3 7.6

Very busy with difficult work or problems and almost overwhelmed

covers deep involvement more generally, not only near overwhelm

U

up to one's neck

vsknee-deep

• Informal

2 7.9

Being very busy with a lot of difficult work or problems

describes immersion more neutrally, not always negative entanglement

U

up to their necks

vsknee-deep

• Informal

2 6.7

Very involved in a difficult or serious problem

can describe deep involvement without implying trouble or entanglement

U

up to your neck

vsknee-deep

• Informal

1 7.9

Very involved in a difficult situation with too much to do

can imply deep involvement without the sense of hopelessness or demand

B

bone-deep

vsknee-deep

1 7.0

A very strong feeling that reaches deep into your body or heart

means being immersed but usually without the sense of deep internal intensity

E

engrossed

vsknee-deep

1 4.5

Paying all your attention to something because you are very interested

can mean deep involvement without the strong interest or attention focus

U

up to (one's) neck

vsknee-deep

• Informal

6.8

Having too much work or too many problems to deal with

focuses on being immersed rather than specifically burdened or overwhelmed

E

elbow-deep in

vsknee-deep

• Informal

6.8

Very involved in an activity, often working with your hands

applies to deep involvement in activities generally, not only hands-on tasks

Antonyms

U

uninvolved

5 4.5

Not taking part in an activity or situation

D

disengaged

1 4.7

Not involved or interested in something and not paying attention

How Involved

knee-deep

• Informal

13 3.9

involved

79 3.5

peripheral

27 6.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology