A lot of, lots of, and a lot: what’s the difference?
These three expressions look similar, but they’re used in slightly different ways. Let’s break it down so you can...
English
In English, there are a number of idioms using the word water.
As I hope you know, water’s very important: we use it for drinking, washing and splashing about in. Most importantly, it’s used to make the ice, which I put in my favourite drink – whiskey.
On the other hand, water’s also dangerous: for example, we’re careful to watch young children when they play near rivers or the sea and, of course, giant killer sharks, like Jaws, live in the water! Water idioms often highlight the dangerous or difficult side of our watery friend.
To be in a difficult situation which is hard to deal with:
“I’ll be in deep water unless I pass that exam. Without a pass, I won’t be able to get into university.”
Very similar to deep water (above), but with an emphasis on being punished for your actions:
“I’m going to be in hot water with my boss when he finds out that I lost our client’s account.”
To be in a situation that is too difficult for you to deal with:
“I didn’t understand anything they were talking about at the meeting; I was totally out of my depth.” “I’m going to be in hot water with my boss when he finds out that I lost our client’s account.”
To feel awkward / uncomfortable because you are in an situation which you have not experienced before:
“I grew up in the countryside, so when I moved to the city, I felt like a fish out of water.”
To be critical of a plan that others thought was exciting or great:
“I really don’t want to pour cold water on your plan, but I really don’t think it will work.”
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To defeat someone or something that you are competing with, or to achieve much more than they do:
“Microsoft are confident that their new software will blow all other company’s software out of the water.”
Something is water under the bridge when it belongs in the past and isn’t important or troubling any more:
“I fought with my brother once over a woman we both liked, but it’s all water under the bridge now.”
When something does not hold water it seems that it an idea, plan or statement is wrong or false:
“The reason she gave for being late for class didn’t hold water; I’m sure she was lying.”
When something is dead in the water it has stopped making any progress, it has failed and has no hope for the future:
“Since our boss left, this company has been dead in the water.”
This expression means “no matter what happens”:
“I don’t want to work late again today. Come hell or high water, I’m leaving at 5pm.”
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