Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

in at the deep end

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.95 in modern English

Syllables: in- at the deep- end
IPA

21

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Placed in a complex situation (especially work-related) without adequate preparation or experience.

Etymology

Derived from the slope in a swimming pool, which is shallow at one side, for beginners, and has a deeper section designed for more experienced swimmers.

Phrases

in too deep off the wall out of one's depth throw in at the deep end

Frequently Paired Words

in too deep off the wall out of one's depth throw in at the deep end

Synonyms

jump in at the deep end take the bull by the horns

Questions

What does in at the deep end mean?: Placed in a complex situation (especially work-related) without adequate preparation or experience.
Where does in at the deep end come from?: Derived from the slope in a swimming pool, which is shallow at one side, for beginners, and has a deeper section designed for more experienced swimmers.

How to pronounce in at the deep end

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