The idiomatic expression "in the soup" refers to being in a difficult, challenging, or troublesome situation. It implies being caught in a predicament or embroiled in an undesirable circumstance. The phrase likely originated from the metaphorical idea of being immersed or submerged in a pot of boiling soup, where one is surrounded by hot, uncomfortable, and often chaotic conditions.
Being "in the soup" suggests a state of adversity, trouble, or distress that one finds themselves in, often due to their own actions or circumstances beyond their control. It typically conveys a sense of helplessness or vulnerability, much like the feeling of being engulfed by a steaming soup.
The term can be applied to various contexts, such as personal, professional, or social situations. For example, someone might say they are "in the soup" if they are facing financial difficulties, experiencing relationship problems, or facing professional setbacks. It can also describe being implicated in a scandal or caught up in a problematic or dangerous situation.
The phrase "in the soup" is often used informally and figuratively, rather than in literal circumstances. It serves as a colorful way to describe being trapped or entangled in an undesirable or challenging predicament, emphasizing the difficulty and discomfort of the situation.
