Water idioms are a fascinating part of the English language. They capture various human experiences using water-related expressions. I share 20 such idioms, providing meanings and examples.
From “in hot water” to “fish out of water,” these idioms illustrate common scenarios and emotions. Whether you’re learning English or just curious about idioms, these examples offer insight into everyday language.
I will also include funny idioms and some that combine water and air, adding perspective to how we use these phrases. Understanding these idioms enriches communication, making it more vivid and relatable.
list of 20 idioms for water
- In hot water
- Like a duck to water
- Deep water
- Fish out of water
- Cold water
- Hot water
- First water
- New water
- Old water
- Under the bridge
- Still waters run deep
- Make waves
- In hot water
- Water under the bridge
- Fish out of water
- Cry over spilled milk
- Blow hot and cold
- Floating on air
- Break the ice
- Go with the flow
Best Idioms for Water
In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: I’m in hot water for missing the meeting.
Like a duck to water
Meaning: Naturally skilled.
Example: He took to coding like a duck to water.
Deep water
Meaning: Difficult situation.
Example: She’s in deep water after the audit.
Fish out of water
Meaning: Uncomfortable.
Example: I felt like a fish out of water at the formal event.
Cold water
Meaning: Disappointing.
Example: His criticism threw cold water on our plans.
Hot water
Meaning: Trouble.
Example: He’s always in hot water for his comments.
First water
Meaning: Best quality.
Example: Her performance was of the first water.
New water
Meaning: Unfamiliar territory.
Example: Starting this job feels like navigating new water.
Old water
Meaning: Familiar territory.
Example: His advice is based on old water.
Under the bridge
Meaning: Past and forgotten.
Example: Our old arguments are water under the bridge now.
Still waters run deep
Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts.
Example: She rarely speaks, but still waters run deep.
Make waves
Meaning: Cause trouble.
Example: He tends to make waves in meetings.
Funny Idioms for Water
In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: I’m in hot water for eating the last cookie.
Water under the bridge
Meaning: Past and forgotten.
Example: Our fight is water under the bridge now.
Fish out of water
Meaning: Uncomfortable.
Example: At the opera, I felt like a fish out of water.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Unchangeable past.
Example: Don’t cry over spilled milk; let’s fix it.
Idioms for Water and Air
Blow hot and cold
Meaning: Change moods frequently.
Example: He blows hot and cold about the new project.
Floating on air
Meaning: Very happy.
Example: She was floating on air after the promotion.
Break the ice
Meaning: Ease tension.
Example: Her joke helped break the ice at the party.
Go with the flow
Meaning: Accept things as they are.
Example: He tends to go with the flow at work.
What are common water idioms?
Common water idioms include “in hot water,” “fish out of water,” and “deep water.” These idioms describe various situations like trouble, discomfort, and difficulty.
How do water idioms enhance language?
Water idioms make language vivid and relatable. They use familiar water-related scenarios to express emotions and situations, making communication more engaging.
Can water idioms be funny?
Yes, water idioms can be funny. Examples like “cry over spilled milk” and “water under the bridge” add humor to everyday conversations to enhance the beauty of nature
