Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

the deep end

noun

Definition of the deep end

informal
—used in phrases such as throw in (at) the deep end and jump in (at) the deep end to describe starting a new and difficult activity when one is not fully prepared or ready to do it
  • After graduating, he was not afraid to jump in at the deep end and start his new business alone.
  • Teachers are thrown in the deep end when they first start teaching.

Word by Word Definitions

deep play

  1. : extending far from some surface or area: such as

  2. : extending far downward

  3. : extending well inward from an outer surface

  1. : to a great depth : deeply

  2. : far on : late

  3. : near the outer limits of the playing area

  1. : a vast or immeasurable extent : abyss

  2. : the extent of surrounding space or time

  3. : ocean

See the full definition of deep
end play

  1. : the part of an area that lies at the boundary

  2. : a point that marks the extent of something

  3. : the point where something ceases to exist

  1. : to bring to an end

  2. : destroy

  3. : to make up the end of

  1. : final, ultimate

  1. : to put (grain or hay) into a barn or stack

  1. : within : inside — compare ect-, exo-

  2. : taking in

See the full definition of end

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the deep end? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games