[swim] with sharks

to be involved with very dangerous or cunning people

The idiom "swim with sharks" draws upon the imagery of entering the same territory as sharks, known for their predatory nature and potential danger. It is used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is engaging in an activity or taking on a role that involves risks, challenges, or dealing with powerful and potentially hostile individuals or entities.

The young entrepreneur decided to swim with the sharks by seeking venture capital for his startup.
In the world of high-stakes finance, stockbrokers often have to swim with the sharks in the trading pit.
The investigative journalist was known for her courage in swimming with political sharks to uncover corruption.
Negotiating a major merger required the lawyer to swim with corporate sharks, navigating complex agreements.
The rookie athlete was thrown into the game to swim with the sharks and compete against some of the top players in the league.