B2idiominformalworkIELTS-friendly
in at the deep end
USUK
starting a difficult new job or task with little help or preparation
Usually 'be thrown in at the deep end' or 'jump in at the deep end'. American English often says 'thrown into the deep end'. The image is a swimming pool.
In context
On my first day, I was thrown in at the deep end with three angry customers.
Some people learn best when they jump in at the deep end.
More idioms about work
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money
- a nine-to-five joba regular office job with fixed hours, usually from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.