 10 English Idioms with the word water from espressoenglish.net number 1 a fish out of water if you feel like a fish out of water it means you feel Uncomfortable like you don't belong in a particular situation For example, I don't have any experience working with kids So I felt like a fish out of water when I had to teach a class of six year olds number 2 come hell or high water if You say you will do something come hell or high water. It means you will definitely do it no matter what difficulties appear For example, I am going to run a marathon this year come hell or high water Warning the word hell can be offensive in professional situations Use the expression no matter what instead for example, I am going to run a marathon this year no matter what number 3 in deep water means in a difficult situation especially one that is beyond the level of your abilities or in trouble for example a Number of customers have taken legal action against our company. We're really in deep water now number four in hot water This means in trouble Usually when somebody will be angry at you or you will be punished For example, Jason borrowed his dad's watch and then lost it. He's gonna be in hot water when his father finds out number five dead in the water This expression means a project or process is stopped without any chance for success or progress for example Unfortunately the after-school theater program is dead in the water. There's no space available in the building to hold the classes number six not hold water if a If a statement or belief doesn't hold water It means it has some flaws and is probably not completely true or correct For example, his argument just doesn't hold water. It's all based on emotions not on facts number seven test the waters if You test the waters you are trying to discover a little more about a situation Situation before you go ahead and become very involved For example before I decided to become a full-time photographer I tested the waters by doing a few projects to see if I'd enjoy the work number eight keep your head above water this expression means trying very hard to survive Financially or when you are barely able to handle a lot of work, which is almost too much For example, my boss gives me so much to do that. I have to work weekends just to keep my head above water number nine a watering hole This expression literally means a small area of water where animals go to drink But it is also a slang term for a bar For example, if you're looking to have some fun O'Reilly's is the best watering hole in town number ten water under the bridge This expression refers to something that has happened in the past and can't be changed So there's no point worrying about it For example Ten years from now all the little problems you're having today will just be water under the bridge To learn more idiomatic expressions take the English idioms course available at espresso English net You'll discover English idioms in context and practice them with exercises Visit espresso English net to take the idioms course