in over (one's) head

in over (one's) head

Too deeply involved in or with a difficult situation, beyond the point of being able to control or cope any longer. I think I'm in over my head with Amy. She wants marriage, kids, and a house, and I'm just not ready for any of that. I've gotten in way over my head with this money laundering scheme—now the mob is threatening my family if I try to back out!See also: head, over

*in over one's head

 (with someone or something) 1. Lit. in water that is deeper than one is tall. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) Johnny! Don't go out too far! You are in over your head. 2. Fig. too deeply involved with someone or something, beyond what one can deal with. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) They are all in over their heads with this money business. 3. Fig. having more difficulties than one can manage. Calculus is very hard for me. I'm in over my head.See also: head, over

in over one's head

see under in deep, def. 2. See also: head, over

in over your head

If you are in over your head, you are in a situation that is too difficult for you to deal with. He realized that he was in over his head, and that only his family could help him. Note: You can also say that someone gets in over their head if they get into a situation that is too difficult for them. Kelly told the hearing he got in way over his head and became afraid after the prisoner threatened him and his family. Note: Here, the reference is to getting into water that is too deep to stand up in. See also: head, over

in over your ˈhead

involved in something that is too difficult for you to deal with: After a week in the new job, I soon realized that I was in over my head.See also: head, over