Idiom: a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own (Cambridge Dictionary)
Seafarers who want to hone their English skills would do well to learn and use more idioms in their daily life. Idioms are useful tools for facilitating communication. They can also give a good impression of the seafarer to senior officers and management.
The following idioms are all related to water.
dead in the water — used to describe something that has failed and is unlikely to succeed in the future
Example: Plans to restore the historic SS United States are dead in the water.
fish out of water — describes a person who feels uneasy or uncomfortable in a situation that is new to him or her
Example: Some sailors feel like fish out of water when they grow old and can no longer sail.
spend money like water — spend money mindlessly or recklessly [This implies that one has plenty of money to spend. — BU]
Example: He spent money like water to impress the ladies.
muddy the waters — to make an issue or situation more complicated and confusing
Example: People who spin theories about the cause of a marine accident just muddy the waers.
in hot water — in a difficult or troublesome situation where a person is likely to be punished because of his action/s [Water in this idiom is always in the singular form, so don’t say “in hot waters”. — BU)
Example: The able seamen was in hot water after disobeying the captain’s order.
like oil and water — used to describe two things or persons that are so different from each other that they cannot co-exist in harmony
Example: The two shipmates were like oil and water, always arguing.
does not hold water — said of a statement or explanation that is not supported by the facts and is therefore weak
Example: The captain’s claim that the accident was due to the ship having a defective engine does not hold hold water.
water under the bridge — something that belongs to be past and cannot be changed, so it is best forgotten
Example: He was finally at sea, and his love for a faithless woman was now water under the bridge.
water off a duck’s back — said when something (e.g., criticism) has no effect on a person
Example: The captain scolded and cursed the crew, but it was all water off a duck’s back.
keep one’s head above water — to have just enough money to survive or continue
Example: Some shipowners pay their crews just enough to keep the latters’ heads above water.
like a duck to water — to engage in a new activity with ease and enjoyment, often suggesting a fast learner
Example: The young girl took to sailing like a duck to water.
test the waters — to try something tentatively before committing yourself to doing it
Example: Those who work at sea usually don’t have the luxury of testing the waters.
water down — to weaken something or make it less effective
Example: ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, seems so watered down that many shipowners get away with abusing seafarers.
throw cold water on — to be negative about or disapprove of an idea or plan
Example: The unions threw cold water on the shipowners’ proposal to freeze wage levels for seafarers.
unchartered waters — a situation which is completely new or unfamiliar and could pose a challenge or even danger to those involved
Example: Using Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) is unchartered waters for a ship officer who lacks training.
pour oil on troubled waters — to calm a tense situation or stop a dispute from getting out of hand
Example: The angry crew was on the verge of mutiny, but the captain was able to pour oil on troubled waters.
blow out of the water — to defeat something or someone overwhelmingly
Example: When it comes to quality education, American maritime academies blow many of their foreign counterparts out of the water.
watering hole — a place for drinking alcoholic beverages, usually a bar
Example: The sailors went to their favourite watering hole every time they were on shore leave.
come hell or high water — used when somebody is determined to do something no matter the difficulty or the possible consequences.
Example: The seaman decided to report the double-payrolling to the ITF come hell or high water.
troubled waters — a difficult situation marked by problems, discord and emotional stress
Example: The chief mate’s marriage was in troubled waters because he was often at sea.
have both oars in the water — to remain calm and avoid extreme emotional reactions during difficult times
Example: He is a level-headed captain who always has both oars in the water.
Familiarise yourself with more idioms in
~ Barista Uno
