getting into trouble

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   Starting to be in a difficult situation, usually because of something you did.

   Grammar: Used as a noun-like phrase (a gerund); it names the activity, so it can be the subject of a sentence.

   Patterns

   • getting into trouble with someone
   • getting into trouble for something
   • getting into trouble at school/work

   He keeps getting into trouble for arriving late.

   Getting into trouble with the neighbors is the last thing she wants.

   The kids were getting into trouble while their parents were out.

2. 2phraseidiom

   Being punished or criticized, especially by a person in authority.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'with' plus the person who is angry, or 'for' plus the reason.

   Patterns

   • getting into trouble with someone
   • getting into trouble for doing something

   You'll be getting into trouble with your boss if you miss another meeting.

   She was getting into trouble for talking during the test.

3. 3phraseidiom

   Becoming involved with someone or something that causes problems, such as crime or bad company.

   Grammar: Usually followed by 'with' and the person or group involved.

   Patterns

   • getting into trouble with a group
   • getting into trouble with the police

   Teenagers who hang around there often end up getting into trouble with the police.

   He started getting into trouble with older boys from the estate.

Common combinations

keep getting into trouble

If you keep getting into trouble, you should think about why.

getting into trouble at school

Getting into trouble at school worried his parents.

getting into trouble with the law

Getting into trouble with the law can ruin your career.

avoid getting into trouble

She stayed quiet to avoid getting into trouble.

end up getting into trouble

They ended up getting into trouble on the trip.

Synonyms and how they differ

misbehaving

Focuses on bad behavior itself, while 'getting into trouble' stresses the trouble or punishment that follows.

acting up

Informal and often used for children or machines; it suggests annoying behavior rather than serious consequences.

Opposites

Word family

get into trouble phrase

The base form of the same expression, used for a single event.

troublemaker noun

A person who often causes problems or gets into trouble.

troublesome adjective

Causing difficulty or worry.

Commonly confused: getting into trouble or in trouble?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “getting into trouble”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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