be (way) in over one's head

/biː ɪn ˌəʊvə wˈɒnz hˈɛd/

/biː ɪn ˌoʊvɚ wˈʌnz hˈɛd/

[phrase]

be (way) in over one's head

[PHRASE]

to get involved with something that is too difficult for one to handle or get out of

Examples

1. When you have a situation that goes bad pretty quick, and stuff literally hits the fan, like the rotors start hitting the water, and life turns upside down, and you feel like you're sinking, you're in over your head, and it's a situation you don't know how to deal with.

2. Thirteen miles into the New York City marathon, I started to panic, and I was like, I'm really tired, I'm in over my head.

3. What can I do when I am in over my head?

4. Sean tried to pay his gambling debts, but he was in over his head.