Troublesome start while in very hot water? (7,2,4)
I believe the answer is:
baptism of fire
'troublesome start' is the definition.
'baptism of fire' can be an answer for 'start' (I have seen 'Difficult start' mean 'baptism of fire' so perhaps 'start' could also mean 'baptism of fire'). I'm not certain of the 'troublesome' bit.
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for baptism of fire that I've seen before include "Severely testing initiation" , "Painful initiation" , "First experience of a severe ordeal, especially a first taste of military combat" , "Difficult start" , "Initiating ordeal" .)