knee-deep

[nee-deep] /ˈniˈdip/
adjective
1.
reaching the knees:
knee-deep mud.
2.
submerged or covered up to the knees:
knee-deep in water.
3.
deeply embroiled; enmeshed; involved:
knee-deep in trouble.
Origin
1525-35
Examples from the web for knee-deep
  • There had been two days of rain, and the communication trenches were almost knee-deep in water.
  • There are few gators hereabouts, and no, you won't be camping in knee-deep water.
  • And to me there is nothing better than a bowl of chili in a bread bowl in the lodge after a day in knee-deep snow.
  • Instead he was knee-deep in office supplies--copier paper, pens, envelopes.
British Dictionary definitions for knee-deep

knee-deep

adjective
1.
so deep as to reach or cover the knees: knee-deep mud
2.
(postpositive) often foll by in
  1. sunk or covered to the knees: knee-deep in sand
  2. immersed; deeply involved: knee-deep in work
Word Origin and History for knee-deep
adj.

1530s, from knee (n.) + deep (adj.).

Slang definitions & phrases for knee-deep

knee-deep

adjective phrase

Overwhelmed; oversupplied; very much involved; UP TO one's ASS IN something: I never even tried to make money, and now I'm knee deep in the stuff (1940s+)