Water Idioms

stepping stones

Meaning: Something that helps achieve a goal or reach a higher position in life or career.

Example: His first job was just a set of stepping stones toward becoming a CEO. Read more ➺

dull as dishwater

Meaning: Extremely boring or uninteresting.

Example: The lecture was dull as dishwater, and several students fell asleep. Read more ➺

at sea

Meaning: confused or unsure about what to do.

Example: After starting the new job, she felt completely at sea with all the new procedures. Read more ➺

get one’s feet wet

Meaning: to begin taking part in a new activity.

Example: Finally, you've decided to get your feet wet and enrolled in your singing classes. Read more ➺

like a duck to water

Meaning: to do something very quickly and enjoy doing it.

Example: She's taken to her grandmother's house like a duck to water. Read more ➺

a wet blanket

Meaning: a person who spoils other people's fun.

Example: If you are going to come to my party, you can't be such a wet blanket. Read more ➺

in at the deep end

Meaning: to start a new job or activity without being prepared for it

Example: Soldiers are thrown in the deep end when they have just joined the army. Read more ➺

in hot water

Meaning: in trouble or state of shame

Example: The opposition leader landed himself in a whole load of hot water after making several vulgar comments. Read more ➺

pour oil on troubled waters

Meaning: try to calm, soothe or placate a problematic situation

Example: She's such a calm person; last week, the whole office was in uproar until she stepped in and poured oil on troubled waters. Read more ➺

a fish out of water

Meaning: being uncomfortable and restless

Example: Our new teacher looked like a fish out of the water, nobody was aware of the issue. Read more ➺