[ti:Don't Find Yourself 'In Hot Water'] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:07.82]Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. [00:16.80]On this program we talk about common expressions in the English language and we explain how to use them. [00:25.52]And today we talk about something we've all experienced -- getting into trouble. [00:33.92]But why just say you are in trouble when you can use a more descriptive "water" expression!? [00:41.92]When you are in hot water you are in deep trouble. [00:47.51]I mean, you have really made a mess of things. [00:53.32]The expression to be in hot water was used more than 500 years ago to mean being in trouble. [01:02.44]One story says that the meaning comes from the custom of throwing boiling water down on enemies attacking a castle. [01:12.60]Of course, that is no longer the custom. But we still use the expression "in hot water." [01:21.16]Okay. So, when we are in hot water, we are in trouble. [01:25.68]And that trouble can be serious or not so serious. [01:31.88]A person who breaks the law can be in hot water with the police. [01:36.88]But a small girl can also be in hot water with her parents for eating her birthday cake before her party starts. [01:47.72]Now, let's say you look online to find words that mean about the same thing as "to be in hot water." [01:57.24]You might come across words like bind or jam or even a much more formal choice -- predicament. [02:07.76]However, be careful when using them as synonyms for being "in hot water." [02:13.89]When we are in hot water it is because of something we did wrong. [02:20.72]The bind, jam, predicament in which you find yourself may be your fault. [02:27.07]But it may not be your fault. [02:29.81]The difficulties might have been caused by things beyond your control. [02:36.04]For example, I could say that I'm in a bind at work. [02:40.45]My boss wants me to work on Saturday but I've already made plans. [02:45.96]I'm in a difficult situation, but I didn't do anything wrong. [02:52.20]Or maybe your friend found himself in a jam while traveling. [02:57.16]He was stranded in a foreign country after someone stole his wallet and passport. [03:04.72]Being in hot water is almost the same as being in deep water. [03:11.04]When you are in deep water, you are in a difficult situation. [03:15.92]You are facing a problem that you do not have the ability to solve. [03:21.24]The problem is too deep for you. [03:25.32]You can be in deep water, for example, if you invest in stocks without knowing anything about the stock market. [03:34.84]You may also hear people say troubled waters. [03:38.78]However, we use that expression more in songs and poetry than we do in everyday speaking. [03:46.89]{Simon and Garfunkel singing "Bridge Over Trouble Water"} [04:16.16]Now, let's hear how these friends use some of these expressions. [04:22.00]Hey did you hear about Sally? [04:24.07]No. What? [04:25.78]She called in sick yesterday but then the boss saw her at a concert dancing with friends. [04:31.44]Oh, that's not good. [04:33.09]No, it's not. She was already in hot water with her boss because of a big report she messed up. [04:39.23]I wonder what's going to happen to her. [04:41.91]Well, she was in a similar predicament last month and was somehow able to talk her way out of it. [04:48.45]But this time ... I don't know. [04:51.01]You know, now that you mention it ... [04:53.08]Sally is the type of person who is always getting herself out of some kind of jam. [04:58.74]Sometimes it's her fault. Sometimes it's not. But it's still a jam. [05:05.22]If she loses her job she might find herself in really deep water. [05:09.80]Why? [05:10.89]Well, she told me that she just bought a new apartment and her money is very tight right now. [05:16.69]Money troubles are the worst! [05:19.64]That's why I always try to have a little extra in the bank. [05:23.77]Hopefully that means I won't find myself in a bind over money. [05:27.91]Good thinking. [05:29.77]When your troubles are boiling over consult this recipe ... [05:34.13]We will end our show today with a little advice: [05:37.95]If you find yourself in hot, deep or even troubled waters, [05:43.25]don't forget you can always ask for help. [05:46.32]Until next time ... I'm Anna Matteo. [05:49.51]{Vera Lynn sings "Be Like a Kettle and Sing."} [06:05.05]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM