English idiom

throw somebody in at the deep end

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to make someone start a difficult task with little preparation or help

Why this phrase?

From being thrown into the deep end of a pool; figuratively means a hard, unprepared start.

Example

“On my first day they threw me in at the deep end with a big client.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

easier said than done

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

back to square one

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

get the show on the road

to begin a project or activity that has been delayed

get to grips with

to begin to understand and deal with a difficult problem or task

moving target

a goal or requirement that keeps changing while you try to hit it

back to basics

returning to the simple, fundamental principles of an activity

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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