dangerous waters

noun

: a difficult or complicated situation
We are entering into dangerous waters whenever we discuss religion in public.

Examples of dangerous waters in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the time of its sinking, the cutter had completed multiple escort missions through dangerous waters. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 Putting boots on enemy ships and taking control of dangerous waters threatens to increase the US death toll. David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2026 Following the events of A Palace Near the Wind, Liu Lufeng and her siblings flee the Palace for the dangerous waters, which contain rebels, allies, and her sister Sangshu—though Sangshu’s conflicting loyalties may clash with Lufeng’s plan to keep them all safe. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 But with tankers unable to navigate dangerous waters and missiles constantly streaking across the sky—some targeting crucial energy infrastructure—the effect on the fuel trade is already pronounced. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dangerous waters

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dangerous waters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dangerous%20waters. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster