7+ Best Idioms on Water to Freshen up Your English Writing

In the English Language idioms are expressions that do not mean exactly what the words say. They often have a hidden meaning understood by people who speak the language. Imagine using idioms related to water they can freshen up your English writing! These phrases add colour and creativity, helping you express ideas vividly and interestingly. Let’s have a look into some water-themed idioms that can make your writing attractive.

Also read: Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings [Download PDF]

Idioms on Water with Meaning and Examples

Idioms involving water are particularly common, reflecting how integral water is to life and human experience. Here are some important idioms on water, along with their meanings and examples.

Pour old water on something

“Pour cold water on something” implies to discourage, dampen, or reduce enthusiasm for an idea or plan. It suggests that someone is being negative or critical, causing others to lose excitement or interest.

For Example: Emily was excited about her new business idea, but her friend’s negative comments poured cold water on her enthusiasm.

Feel like a fish out of water

To “feel like a fish out of water” indicates feeling uncomfortable, out of place, or awkward in a particular situation or environment.

For Example: When Jane moved to a new city where she didn’t know anyone and had never been before, she felt like a fish out of water at her new job.

Doesn’t hold water

When something “doesn’t hold water,” it tells that the idea or argument is not convincing or believable when examined closely. 

For Example: I didn’t eat the last cookie it must have disappeared on its own. This excuse doesn’t hold water because there’s no logical explanation or evidence to support it.

Blood is thicker than water

“Blood is thicker than water” means that family relationships are more important and stronger than any other relationships, such as those with friends.

For Example: Even though Sarah had friends who offered to help, she turned to her brother when she needed support because blood is thicker than water.

Keep your head above the water

“Keep your head above the water” implies managing to survive or stay out of trouble, especially in difficult situations.

For Example: Even though Jane is struggling with her new job and taking care of her family, she’s doing her best to keep her head above the water.

To muddy the waters

“To muddy the waters” points out to make a situation more confusing or unclear, often intentionally, so that it is harder to understand or deal with.

For Example: During the meeting, instead of clarifying the issue, Sarah’s comments only muddied the waters, leaving everyone more confused.”

Pour oil on troubled waters

The phrase “pour oil on troubled waters” indicates trying to calm down or smooth over a difficult or tense situation. It’s about taking action to reduce conflict or make things less stressful.

For Example: During the heated argument between the two friends, Jane stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters by speaking calmly and suggesting a compromise.

Water off a duck’s back

The idiom “water off a duck’s back” signifies that something, usually criticism or negative comments, doesn’t affect someone at all. Just like water doesn’t stick to a duck’s feathers and slides right off, whatever is said or done doesn’t bother or upset the person.

For Example: When Jane’s coworkers criticised her project, she didn’t get upset. It was like water off a duck’s back to her, and she kept working confidently. 

5 Most Commonly Used English Idioms on Water

Idioms indicate how water is a fundamental element of life, and metaphorically represent different elements of human experience. Here is a brief explanation of idioms on water with meaning and examples.

Idioms	Meaning	Example
Plenty of water ran under bridges	“Plenty of water ran under bridges” signifies that a lot of time has passed and many events have occurred since a particular event or period.	After their breakup, plenty of water ran under the bridge, and they are now good friends.
It leaks water everywhere	“It leaks water everywhere” typically indicates that something is allowing water to escape or flow out uncontrollably from various places, leading to water spreading or dripping around in different directions.	When something “leaks water everywhere,” it indicates water is coming out from it in many places, causing a mess or wetness in different areas.
Fish out of Water	“Fish out of water” is an idiom used to describe someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation or environment.	Imagine a country boy visiting a big city for the first time. He might feel like a fish out of water because everything is so different from what he’s used to.
Come Hell or High Water	“Come Hell or High Water” is an idiom that means no matter what happens, regardless of any difficulties or obstacles.	She was determined to finish her degree, come hell or high water.
Water under the bridge	“Water under the bridge” is used to describe something that has happened in the past and is no longer important or relevant to the present situation.	We disagreed last year, but we’ve moved on since then. It’s all water under the bridge now.

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