, the editor has counted 7 combinations of water-related slang, let's take a look!
of the first water
The term
with the best quality comes from the diamond trade. The higher the translucency, the higher the value of the diamond, that is, the better the quality of the diamond that resembles water. Of course, it refers to the diamonds second to first water.
Example:
He is a musician of the first water.
He is a first-rate musician.
can refer to something "of the best and the highest quality", or to describe someone as "the best and the first", of + N. becomes an adjective and modifies the noun before of.
water down
dilution; weakening
literally means "adding water down", yes, water down means "adding water to dilute (drink)", and it can also mean "weakening, desalinating ( point of view etc.)”, so as not to be so extreme, and thus allow others to accept the point of view.
Example:
In the last weekly meeting, Tony watered down his personal perspective before he brought the proposal up to the table.
In the last week's meeting, Tony watered down his personal perspective before presenting his proposal.
water off a duck's back
No effect;
"water off a duck's back"? Refers to "criticism or admonition is completely innocuous to someone", such as wind on the ear.
example:
The doctors tell us it's dangerous to smoke, but such good advice rolls off some people like water off a duck's back.
Same, no effect.
water under the bridge
What can't be undone
"Water under the bridge" refers to "the past, the past", just like the water under the bridge rushing into the sea, making people feel relieved and no longer mind.
Example:
Yes, we did have our disagreements but that's water under the bridge now.
Yes, we did have our disagreements, but that's over now.
keep one's head above water
Dilemma, trouble
literally means "keep your head on the water", because the image of drowning (drowning) is used to represent "dilemma, trouble" in English, so keep one's head above water extends It means "to make ends meet" and usually refers to economic hardship.
Example:
We have so little money that we can hardly keep our heads above water.
be in hot water (get into hot water)
Get into trouble
means "get into trouble, get into trouble", which means that you may be criticized and punished for doing something.
Example:
A boy can be in hot water with his mother, if he comes into the house with dirty, wet shoes.
If a boy comes in with dirty and wet shoes, his mother is going to trouble him.
be in deep water
Be in deep water
Be in a dangerous, vulnerable, or troublesome situation, especially when something is beyond your ability.
Example:
Anthony is in deep water. If he doesn't pay off his debts, they're going to take everything he owns.
Anthony is in trouble. If he doesn't pay off his debts, they'll take all his stuff.
