up to one's ears in debt

Meaning: Deeply in debt.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “After the renovation, they were up to their ears in debt.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The debt is pictured as water rising to the ears. English has said "up to the ears" in trouble since the 16th century.

Equivalents in other languages

Russian: в долгах как в шелках (v dolgakh kak v shelkakh) — literally: in debts as in silk

hand on heart — Said when swearing that something is completely true.
you'll live — Said to someone making a fuss over a small injury or setback.
with an iron fist — With harsh, absolute control.
all brawn and no brain — Physically strong but not clever.
until one is blue in the face — For as long as one likes, with no result.
take matters into one's own hands — To act oneself because others have failed to.

a trump card — A decisive advantage kept in reserve.
not turn a hair — To show no reaction at all.
hide one's light under a bushel — To keep one's talents hidden.
charity begins at home — One's first duty is to one's own family.
two men and a dog — A very small crowd.
has the cat got your tongue? — Said to someone who stays silent when they should speak.

Dogs bark before they bite. — Aggression is usually preceded by warning signs if you pay attention to them.
Do well, and have well. — Virtuous actions naturally produce good outcomes; integrity yields its own rewards.
Many drops make a shower. — Small, repeated contributions accumulate into something substantial and significant.