Meaning: This idiom means to put someone in a challenging or difficult situation without preparation, support, or training. It implies that the person must quickly adapt and learn how to handle the situation on their own.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “On his first day at the new job, they threw him in at the deep end with a major project.”
- “When her boss quit unexpectedly, she was thrown in at the deep end and had to manage the entire department.”
- “Starting a business without prior experience is like being thrown in at the deep end, but it can also be a great learning opportunity.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “throw someone in at the deep end” comes from swimming. It refers to the practice of putting someone in the deep part of a swimming pool without teaching them how to swim first, forcing them to quickly learn to stay afloat or swim. This metaphor has been extended to other areas of life where individuals are placed in difficult or unfamiliar situations and must rely on their own resourcefulness and quick learning to succeed. The phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century and is commonly used to describe sudden, challenging experiences that require immediate adaptation.
