Water is an important part of our daily lives. We use it for drinking, cleaning, and many other things. But did you know that water is also part of many idioms? These expressions help us talk about different situations in a more interesting way. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn’t always clear from the words used. They often have special meanings that are easy to understand once you know them.
In this article, we will explore some common idioms about water. These idioms help us describe emotions, challenges, and actions in a creative way. Whether we are talking about staying calm or going with the flow, water-related idioms give us colorful ways to communicate. Let’s dive into some of these phrases and see how they make everyday conversation more fun and lively!
Idioms About Water
1. Still waters run deep
Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts or strong feelings.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah is very quiet, but still waters run deep—she’s a great artist.
- Sometimes, still waters run deep, and you may not know how much someone cares.
Other ways to say: Quiet people can be very thoughtful.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is based on the idea that calm water might hide something beneath its surface.
Usage: Describing people who don’t speak much but have a lot inside.
2. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Something in the past that is forgotten or forgiven.
Example Sentence:
- We had a fight last year, but that’s water under the bridge now.
- Don’t worry about the mistake; it’s water under the bridge.
Other ways to say: In the past, forgotten now.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that water flowing under a bridge cannot be stopped or changed.
Usage: Used to show that something is no longer important.
3. Go with the flow
Meaning: To do what others are doing or to accept things as they come.
Example Sentence:
- When the teacher asked for volunteers, I decided to go with the flow and joined in.
- It’s easier to go with the flow and not stress about everything.
Other ways to say: Take things as they come.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to how water moves without resistance, flowing smoothly in its path.
Usage: Used when someone is not trying to control everything and is going along with the situation.
4. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a new situation.
Example Sentence:
- When I moved to a new school, I felt like a fish out of water.
- He looked like a fish out of water at the party because he didn’t know anyone.
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that fish need water to survive, so being out of it makes them feel lost.
Usage: Used when someone feels strange in a new or unfamiliar setting.
5. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset about something that cannot be fixed or changed.
Example Sentence:
- It’s no use crying over spilled milk; we can clean it up and move on.
- Don’t cry over spilled milk; accidents happen!
Other ways to say: Don’t dwell on mistakes.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that once milk is spilled, it can’t be put back in the bottle.
Usage: Used to remind others not to worry over things that can’t be fixed.
6. Float on air
Meaning: To feel extremely happy or carefree.
Example Sentence:
- After hearing the good news, she was floating on air all day.
- He was floating on air after winning the game.
Other ways to say: Feel like you’re walking on clouds.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the feeling of lightness, like floating above the ground.
Usage: Used when someone is in a very good mood or feeling lighthearted.
7. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble or facing problems.
Example Sentence:
- He was in hot water after missing his curfew.
- The company was in hot water when they made a big mistake.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a bad spot.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase likely comes from the discomfort of being in hot water, which is unpleasant.
Usage: Describes someone who is facing problems or punishment.
8. Come hell or high water
Meaning: No matter what happens, something will be done.
Example Sentence:
- I’ll finish my homework, come hell or high water.
- She’s going to the concert, come hell or high water!
Other ways to say: No matter what, no matter the cost.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that nothing, not even floods or disasters, will stop someone from doing something.
Usage: Used to show determination to finish something despite any obstacles.
9. Make waves
Meaning: To cause trouble or get attention.
Example Sentence:
- He made waves at school when he told everyone the surprise.
- She doesn’t like to make waves in class and keeps to herself.
Other ways to say: Stir things up, cause a scene.
Fun Fact/Origin: Waves on water move and disrupt the calm, so making waves means creating change or disturbance.
Usage: Describes someone who causes attention, either good or bad.
10. Pour cold water on something
Meaning: To discourage someone or ruin their enthusiasm.
Example Sentence:
- Don’t pour cold water on my idea; I think it’s a good one!
- She poured cold water on his plan to go to the park.
Other ways to say: Discourage, stop enthusiasm.
Fun Fact/Origin: Pouring cold water on something can make it stop or cool down, just like excitement.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to stop or disapprove of someone else’s excitement or plans.
11. Keep your head above water
Meaning: To just manage to survive or keep up with something.
Example Sentence:
- With all the homework, I’m barely keeping my head above water.
- The team is just trying to keep its head above water this season.
Other ways to say: Stay afloat, manage just enough.
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that when you keep your head above water, you’re surviving, even in tough situations.
Usage: Used when someone is struggling but managing to get by.
12. Throw someone a lifeline
Meaning: To give someone help when they are in a difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
- When I was failing math, my teacher threw me a lifeline by offering extra help.
- She threw him a lifeline by giving him a chance to redo the project.
Other ways to say: Help someone out, give a hand.
Fun Fact/Origin: A lifeline is a rope thrown to someone who is drowning to save them.
Usage: Used when offering someone assistance in a tough spot.
13. Water off a duck’s back
Meaning: To not be affected by something, especially criticism.
Example Sentence:
- The comment didn’t bother me; it’s water off a duck’s back.
- She let the negative remarks slide off like water off a duck’s back.
Other ways to say: Unaffected, brush it off.
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducks’ feathers are coated with oils, so water doesn’t stick to them.
Usage: Used when something doesn’t bother or affect someone.
14. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater
Meaning: Don’t discard something important while trying to get rid of something unwanted.
Example Sentence:
- When fixing the system, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater by removing the good features.
- Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater—keep the important stuff!
Other ways to say: Don’t lose the good with the bad.
Fun Fact/Origin: In the old days, people would bathe in one tub of water, and it was a warning not to throw out everything when cleaning.
Usage: Used when someone is getting rid of something and should avoid discarding useful things in the process.
15. Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: To be in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two bad options.
Example Sentence:
- I was between a rock and a hard place when both my friends wanted me to sit with them.
- She was between a rock and a hard place when she had to choose between two jobs.
Other ways to say: Stuck, in a tough spot.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used to describe a situation where it’s hard to make a decision because both options are bad.
Usage: Used when someone is stuck between two difficult choices.
16. Like water off a duck’s back
Meaning: To not be affected by criticism or something unpleasant.
Example Sentence:
- She laughed off the insults; they were like water off a duck’s back to her.
- Don’t worry about the harsh words; it’s like water off a duck’s back.
Other ways to say: Unaffected, shrug it off.
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducks have waterproof feathers, so water doesn’t stick to them, making the expression about being unaffected.
Usage: Used when someone isn’t bothered by criticism or difficult situations.
17. A fish in troubled waters
Meaning: To be involved in a complicated or difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
- He was a fish in troubled waters, trying to fix the broken project.
- She felt like a fish in troubled waters when everyone argued at the meeting.
Other ways to say: In a tough situation, in over your head.
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish need clean water to thrive, so troubled water suggests they are in a difficult environment.
Usage: Describes being in a tricky or difficult situation.
18. Fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling out of place or uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.
Example Sentence:
- He was a fish out of water at the new school and didn’t know anyone.
- I felt like a fish out of water when I visited a new country.
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase describes a fish that can’t live outside water, making it feel lost and out of place.
Usage: Used when someone is in a situation where they don’t feel comfortable.
19. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Something from the past that no longer matters or has been forgiven.
Example Sentence:
- All the old arguments are water under the bridge now; we’re good friends again.
- That disagreement was water under the bridge after we talked it through.
Other ways to say: In the past, forgotten.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to the idea that water flows under a bridge and can’t be stopped, just like past events.
Usage: Used to describe something no longer important or worth worrying about.
20. Like a fish to water
Meaning: To do something very naturally or easily.
Example Sentence:
- He took to soccer like a fish to water, scoring goals on his first try.
- She learned to dance like a fish to water, picking it up quickly.
Other ways to say: Natural at, excel at.
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish live in water easily, and this phrase compares that natural fit to someone doing something they are good at.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is very good at something.
21. Keep your head above water
Meaning: To manage to survive or stay afloat in difficult situations.
Example Sentence:
- Even though I’m busy with schoolwork, I’m keeping my head above water.
- The family is barely keeping their head above water with all the bills.
Other ways to say: Stay afloat, manage somehow.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of keeping your head above water to stay alive and survive.
Usage: Used when someone is managing to get by despite challenges.
22. Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or stop trying.
Example Sentence:
- After several failed attempts, she decided to throw in the towel and rest.
- He thought about throwing in the towel, but he kept going.
Other ways to say: Give up, quit.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from boxing, where a trainer throws in a towel to stop the fight when a boxer can’t continue.
Usage: Used when someone decides to stop trying because things are too hard.
23. Sink or swim
Meaning: To succeed or fail, with no help.
Example Sentence:
- In this new job, it’s sink or swim—you have to figure things out on your own.
- When she joined the team, it was sink or swim, and she learned fast.
Other ways to say: Stand on your own, succeed or fail.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that if you can’t swim, you’ll sink in the water, symbolizing success or failure.
Usage: Describes a situation where you have to manage without help.
24. Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be upset over something that can’t be fixed.
Example Sentence:
- I broke my phone, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk.
- Don’t cry over spilled milk—let’s focus on fixing it.
Other ways to say: Don’t worry about it, let it go.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that once milk is spilled, it can’t be put back in the bottle.
Usage: Used to encourage someone not to stress over something that can’t be changed.
25. A drop in the bucket
Meaning: A very small amount compared to what is needed.
Example Sentence:
- The money we raised is just a drop in the bucket compared to what we need.
- A few dollars is a drop in the bucket when it comes to buying a car.
Other ways to say: Small contribution, tiny amount.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that a drop of water in a large bucket doesn’t make much difference.
Usage: Used to describe something that doesn’t make a big impact.
26. In deep water
Meaning: To be in a difficult or serious situation.
Example Sentence:
- He’s in deep water after lying about his grades.
- She was in deep water when she lost her job.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a tough spot.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that deep water is hard to escape from, just like serious situations.
Usage: Used to describe someone facing serious problems.
27. Paddle your own canoe
Meaning: To take care of yourself and not depend on others.
Example Sentence:
- If you want to succeed, you need to paddle your own canoe and work hard.
- He learned to paddle his own canoe and made his business successful.
Other ways to say: Be independent, do things yourself.
Fun Fact/Origin: Canoes need to be paddled by the person in them, so this phrase is about handling your own challenges.
Usage: Used when someone is taking responsibility for their own life and actions.
28. Water off a duck’s back
Meaning: To be unaffected by criticism or harsh words.
Example Sentence:
- His rude comments were water off a duck’s back—I didn’t care at all.
- When they made fun of her, it was water off a duck’s back.
Other ways to say: Unbothered, unaffected.
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducks’ feathers don’t let water stick to them, making it a perfect metaphor for ignoring things that might bother others.
Usage: Used to describe when someone is not bothered by harsh words or actions.
29. Hold water
Meaning: To be logical or believable.
Example Sentence:
- His explanation doesn’t hold water because he changed his story several times.
- The idea of running a marathon without training doesn’t hold water.
Other ways to say: Make sense, be reasonable.
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that water stays in a container if it’s not leaking, just like a good argument stays strong and logical.
Usage: Used when something makes sense or is believable.
30. Get your feet wet
Meaning: To try something for the first time.
Example Sentence:
- I’m nervous about the job, but I’ll get my feet wet and learn as I go.
- She’s just getting her feet wet with the new project.
Other ways to say: Try something new, start something.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that stepping into water for the first time is a small introduction to a bigger experience.
Usage: Used when someone is trying something new or starting a new experience.
31. Get in hot water
Meaning: To get into trouble or a difficult situation.
Example Sentence:
- He got in hot water for not turning in his homework on time.
- She was in hot water after missing her curfew.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in a tough spot.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase likely comes from the discomfort of being in hot water, as it’s unpleasant and dangerous.
Usage: Describes someone who is facing difficulties or punishment for their actions.
32. A sea change
Meaning: A significant and dramatic change.
Example Sentence:
- There’s been a sea change in the way people view social media.
- The company went through a sea change when they switched to a new leadership team.
Other ways to say: Major shift, big change.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase originally referred to a change in the tide or sea, symbolizing a large transformation.
Usage: Used when describing a large or dramatic change.
33. Make waves
Meaning: To cause a disturbance or attract attention.
Example Sentence:
- His new idea made waves at the meeting, and everyone started talking about it.
- She doesn’t like to make waves, so she kept her opinions to herself.
Other ways to say: Stir things up, create a buzz.
Fun Fact/Origin: Waves in the water cause movement and disruption, much like how a person can stir things up or create noise.
Usage: Used when someone causes a disruption or attracts attention, whether positively or negatively.
34. Sail through
Meaning: To complete something easily or without difficulty.
Example Sentence:
- She sailed through the math test without any problems.
- With his experience, he sailed through the interview.
Other ways to say: Breeze through, pass easily.
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea that sailing smoothly through the water is effortless and easy.
Usage: Describes doing something without struggling or facing difficulty.
35. Water under the bridge
Meaning: Something that has happened in the past and is now forgotten or forgiven.
Example Sentence:
- Their argument last year is water under the bridge, and they’re friends again.
- Let’s move on; the misunderstanding is water under the bridge.
Other ways to say: In the past, forgotten now.
Fun Fact/Origin: Water constantly flows under bridges, meaning that past events can’t be stopped or changed.
Usage: Used to say that something is no longer an issue or relevant.
36. Still waters run deep
Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts or emotions.
Example Sentence:
- Even though he’s quiet, still waters run deep—he’s a very thoughtful person.
- She doesn’t say much, but still waters run deep when you talk to her.
Other ways to say: Quiet but thoughtful, deep thinker.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase suggests that calm, still waters may hide strong currents beneath.
Usage: Used to describe a person who may seem quiet but has a lot of depth.
37. Cry me a river
Meaning: To tell someone you are not sympathetic to their complaints or problems.
Example Sentence:
- You’re upset about a small issue? Cry me a river, it’s not a big deal.
- She complained about a bad day at work, and he said, “Cry me a river.”
Other ways to say: Stop complaining, it’s not that bad.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of crying so much that you could fill a river, which exaggerates how little sympathy the speaker has.
Usage: Used when someone is being overly dramatic or complaining about something small.
38. On the rocks
Meaning: In trouble, especially in a relationship or business.
Example Sentence:
- Their marriage is on the rocks after the argument last week.
- The business is on the rocks because of the financial losses.
Other ways to say: In trouble, in danger.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that a ship on rocks is in danger of sinking.
Usage: Describes something that is in serious trouble or facing a downfall.
39. A fish out of water
Meaning: To feel uncomfortable or out of place.
Example Sentence:
- He felt like a fish out of water when he moved to a new city.
- She was a fish out of water at her first job, unsure of what to do.
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable.
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish need water to live, so they are out of place on land, just like someone who feels lost in an unfamiliar situation.
Usage: Used when someone feels uncomfortable in a new or unfamiliar place.
40. Take the plunge
Meaning: To take a risk or try something new.
Example Sentence:
- After thinking about it for months, he finally decided to take the plunge and move to another country.
- She took the plunge and started her own business.
Other ways to say: Take a risk, try something new.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to jumping into water, a metaphor for taking a big step or decision.
Usage: Used when someone decides to do something they’ve been hesitant about.
41. Get your feet wet
Meaning: To start doing something for the first time.
Example Sentence:
- He got his feet wet in the field of graphic design by doing a small project.
- She’s just getting her feet wet with the new job, but she’s learning quickly.
Other ways to say: Try something for the first time, start small.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests dipping your feet in water, which is often the first step before fully jumping in.
Usage: Used when someone is beginning to try or learn something new.
42. A drop in the ocean
Meaning: A small contribution to a much larger problem.
Example Sentence:
- The money we raised was just a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed.
- His help was a drop in the ocean, but every little bit counts.
Other ways to say: Small part of a bigger issue, tiny contribution.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to how a single drop of water doesn’t change the ocean, symbolizing something that’s insignificant compared to the whole.
Usage: Used when something is just a small part of a much larger issue.
43. Keep your head above water
Meaning: To manage to survive or stay out of trouble.
Example Sentence:
- Despite all the challenges, I’m keeping my head above water.
- The team is doing their best to keep their head above water after the loss.
Other ways to say: Stay afloat, manage.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests staying alive by keeping your head above the water’s surface, symbolizing survival and managing tough situations.
Usage: Describes managing to get by despite difficulties.
44. Water on the brain
Meaning: To be acting confused or silly.
Example Sentence:
- She’s been acting strange today, like she’s got water on the brain.
- I think he has water on the brain if he really thinks we can finish all this work in one day.
Other ways to say: Acting silly, confused.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase might have originally referred to someone who had a water-related illness, which caused confusion or disorientation.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is acting confused or not thinking clearly.
45. Walk on water
Meaning: To be so successful or admired that people think you can do the impossible.
Example Sentence:
- After the win, the team felt like they were walking on water.
- She acted like she was walking on water after getting the award.
Other ways to say: Untouchable, invincible.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to a miracle where someone walks on water, symbolizing doing something extraordinary or impossible.
Usage: Used when someone is admired or seen as doing something amazing.
Quiz: Idioms About Water
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “like water off a duck’s back” mean?
A) You can’t swim in the water.
B) You are unaffected by something unpleasant.
C) You enjoy swimming in water.
2. What does “get your feet wet” mean?
A) To start trying something for the first time.
B) To be in a lot of trouble.
C) To stay away from new things.
3. If someone says, “That’s water under the bridge,” what are they talking about?
A) Something that happened in the past and is no longer important.
B) A new idea you should focus on.
C) A bridge made out of water.
4. What does “cry me a river” mean?
A) You are very sad.
B) You are asking someone to stop complaining.
C) You are getting very wet.
5. If you “take the plunge,” what are you doing?
A) Staying out of something difficult.
B) Trying something new or risky.
C) Swimming in deep water.
6. What does “keep your head above water” mean?
A) To stay calm during a stressful time.
B) To keep track of all your water bottles.
C) To stay alive and manage challenges.
7. If someone is “in deep water,” what does that mean?
A) They are swimming in a pool.
B) They are in a tough or serious situation.
C) They are in a calm and peaceful place.
8. What does “make waves” mean?
A) To create a lot of noise or cause trouble.
B) To relax in the water.
C) To swim across the ocean.
9. If someone feels “like a fish out of water,” they feel:
A) Comfortable and at ease.
B) Like they don’t belong or are uncomfortable.
C) Like they are in their natural habitat.
10. What does “a drop in the bucket” mean?
A) Something very small compared to a bigger issue.
B) A lot of water in a bucket.
C) A small bucket of water.
Answer Key
- B – You are unaffected by something unpleasant.
- A – To start trying something for the first time.
- A – Something that happened in the past and is no longer important.
- B – You are asking someone to stop complaining.
- B – Trying something new or risky.
- C – To stay alive and manage challenges.
- B – They are in a tough or serious situation.
- A – To create a lot of noise or cause trouble.
- B – Like they don’t belong or are uncomfortable.
- A – Something very small compared to a bigger issue.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we explored a variety of water-related idioms. Each one has a special meaning and is used to describe different situations in our everyday lives. Understanding these idioms can help you communicate more effectively and add color to your language.
Remember, idioms like “a fish out of water” or “water under the bridge” are used to express feelings, actions, and experiences in a creative way. By using these idioms, you can make your conversations more interesting and show that you understand the deeper meanings behind everyday expressions. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using these water idioms like a pro!
