Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

What does "get in over their heads" in a sentence below mean?


During the 26 days of testimony, the prosecution sought to show, with an array of 50 witnesses, that the shooting was the act of a frightened, even enraged group of disorganized police officers who began their shift that night hoping to arrest a prostitute or two and, in suspecting Mr. Bell and his friends of possessing a gun, quickly got in over their heads.
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Hiromichi

[Jacob K.]

To "get in over [their, his, her, your, my, our] head(s)" means to become a part of something that was not expected (planned). Usually, it is used when there is a sense of difficulty, danger, or risk.

"The novice (beginner) card players were in over their heads at the casino (gambling house)."

"The squad (small unit) of soldiers got in over their heads when they were ambushed (surprised by a larger number) by the platoon (large unit) of enemy (opposite of friend) soldiers."

In your example, the two police men were expecting a normal day but became part of something they did not expect.

[hiromichi]

Jacob K. :
I got it. Thank you very much.
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Hiromichi