Pronunciation: [ˈaŋkə͡l dˈiːp] (IPA) 
The phrase "ankle deep" refers to a level of water or other liquid that reaches up to the ankle. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down phonetically as /ˈæŋ.kəl/ for "ankle" and /diːp/ for "deep". The "a" in "ankle" is pronounced with the typical "a" sound as in "cat," while the "e" in "deep" is pronounced with a long "e" sound as in "keep." Together, the phrase is spelled as it sounds, accurately depicting its meaning.
Ankle deep is an adjective that describes the depth of water or any other substance that reaches up to the level of one's ankles. It refers to a situation where the liquid or substance is shallow enough to only cover the area from the top of the foot to the lower part of the leg, just above the foot joint.
The term ankle deep is often used to describe the level of water in rivers, lakes, or oceans. It indicates a relatively safe depth for wading or walking through, with minimal risk of losing balance or being swept away by currents. In outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, or swimming, ankle deep water is considered comfortable and suitable for leisurely engagement.
Metaphorically, ankle deep can also be used to describe the degree or depth of involvement in an activity or situation. For example, someone may be described as being "ankle deep in paperwork" to mean that they are moderately involved or dealing with a manageable amount of paperwork.
Overall, ankle deep refers to a level of depth that is shallow enough to be managed without much effort or risk, making it a commonly used term to indicate the safe, comfortable level of water or involvement in various contexts.
The word "ankle" has Old English origins, deriving from the Old English word "ancel" or "ancyle". This term has Germanic roots and is related to the German word "enkel" and the Dutch word "enkel", all of which mean "ankle".
The word "deep" also has Old English origins, coming from the Old English word "dēop", which means "deep" or "profound". This word is cognate with the Dutch word "diep" and the German word "tief".
When these two words are combined to form "ankle deep", it refers to a particular depth that reaches as high as the ankles. This phrase is often used to describe the depth of water or any substance that barely covers the ankles when one stands in it.
