The phrase "were knee deep in" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is heavily involved or committed. The word "were" is spelled /wɜːr/, with a schwa sound in the first syllable and a long "r" sound in the second. "Knee" is spelled /ni/ with a long "e" sound in the first syllable and a silent "k". "Deep" is spelled /diːp/ with a long "e" sound in the first syllable and a "p" at the end. Together, these words form a well-known idiom that is easy to recognize by its unique pronunciation.
The expression "were knee deep in" conveys the idea of being fully immersed or heavily involved in a situation, often referring to a challenging or demanding circumstance. It describes a state of being deeply engaged or overwhelmed by something that requires significant attention, effort, or resources.
The phrase draws its meaning from a literal depiction of being partially submerged in water up to the knees. It implies that the individual or group is burdened or overwhelmed by the task or situation at hand, similar to the sensation of trying to walk through water or mud significantly affecting mobility.
The term is often used metaphorically to describe situations outside the context of water. For example, in the context of work, someone could say, "We were knee deep in paperwork" to suggest that they were overwhelmed by an excessive amount of administrative tasks. Similarly, in a social context, the phrase may be used to indicate being heavily involved or bogged down with responsibilities or commitments.
Overall, the expression "were knee deep in" implies being deeply immersed or overwhelmed by a particular circumstance, suggesting a high level of engagement or difficulty. It captures the feeling of being absorbed or bogged down by a situation, often requiring a substantial amount of effort, attention, or resources to address effectively.