thrown in at the deep end
1
7.8
- idiom
- Informal
- Starting a new job without any training can make you feel like you've been thrown in at the deep end.
Examples
-
It can be overwhelming to be thrown in at the deep end during such an important project without guidance.
-
The alternative is to throw them in at the deep end and all too often watch them drown.
Blog text (9) -
Obviously, there is a lot of pressure on managers, and having been thrown in at the deep end somewhat, I did feel sorry for him.
Blog text (6) -
Not enjoying it at all, I feel like we've been thrown in at the deep end in a major way.
Academic text (2011) -
When she began her teaching career, she was thrown in at the deep end with no prior experience.
Synonyms
54
7.0
In a risky position without support from others
7
7.7
Left suddenly without help when you need it
5
5.9
A situation that causes serious trouble
1
8.2
To have to do something difficult without preparation
Surprised and not ready to deal with a sudden problem
Antonyms
How Prepared
∞
1.3
- Informal
1
7.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
throw + in + at + the + deep + end
The phrase uses transparent literal parts—'thrown in' (placed suddenly) and 'deep end' (the dangerous part of a pool)—so the metaphor of being put into a difficult situation can be inferred from the constituents. However the idiomatic extension (expected to cope without preparation/support) is metaphorical and not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Thrown in at the deep end comes from the image of someone literally pushed into the deep end of a swimming pool and forced to try to swim at once. That's why it means being put suddenly into a hard situation 'without preparation' or help.