Fixed expressions
Idioms
English fixed expressions — phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Each entry shows the meaning, an example sentence, and its register.
Idioms containing water, including its inflections. Clear word filter
7 idioms
a fish out of water
CEFR B1Someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
Neutral
in hot water
CEFR B1In trouble or facing difficulty.
Informal
test the waters
CEFR B1to try something cautiously before committing fully to it
Neutral
come hell or high water
CEFR B2whatever difficulties or obstacles arise
Informal
muddy the waters
CEFR B2to introduce confusion that obscures facts or makes a situation harder to judge
Neutral
water off a duck's back
CEFR B2criticism that has no effect on someone
Informal
water under the bridge
CEFR B2past events that no longer matter
Neutral