in cattive acque

Italian

Alternative forms

• in pessime acque

Adjective

in cattive acque (invariable)

1. (idiomatic) in dire straits, in a bad way

   questa professione naviga in cattive acque ― this profession is in dire straits

Usage notes

• Often used with essere (“to be”), trovarsi (“to find oneself”), versare (“to find oneself, to remain”) or navigare (“to sail”).