All at Sea : Understanding Water Idioms in Nature

boy with hammer break the ice idiom representation

10 Nature Idioms related to Water with Meanings and Examples

  1. (All) At sea
  2. A drop in the ocean
  3. A snowball’s chance in hell
  4. Across the Pond
  5. Break the ice
  6. Cuts no ice
  7. Don’t rain on my parade
  8. The coast is clear
  9. The tip of the iceberg
  10. Walking on thin ice

idiom, definition, example sentence and example conversation

(All) At sea

  • Confused or lost; in a state of uncertainty.
  • After the sudden change in management, the employees felt all at sea about their future.
  • “How are you feeling about the new project?” “I’m all at sea. We haven’t received any instructions yet.”

A drop in the ocean

  • A very small amount compared to the whole.
  • Giving a penny to charity is just a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed.
  • “I want to help the environment, but I’m not sure where to start.” “Don’t worry. Every small action counts. Even picking up trash can help. It’s like a drop in the ocean.”

A snowball’s chance in hell

  • Almost no chance of success.
  • Trying to convince him to change his mind, you have a snowball’s chance in hell.
  • “Think he’ll agree to our proposal?” “Never, a snowball’s chance in hell.”

Across the Pond

  • Between the United States and the United Kingdom; often used to refer to the Atlantic Ocean.
  • She moved across the pond to study in London.
  • “Where did you meet your friend?” “We met when I was studying across the pond in New York.”

Break the ice

  • To introduce each other in a situation where people are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with each other.
  • Tom told a joke to break the ice at the team meeting.
  • “This is our new colleague, Sarah. Let’s break the ice and have a chat!”

Cuts no ice

  • To have no influence or effect.
  • His excuses cut no ice with the teacher; he still received an ‘F’ grade.
  • “I tried explaining the situation, but it cuts no ice with them. I might have to find another solution.”

Don’t rain on my parade

  • Don’t spoil or ruin someone’s plans or excitement.
  • Despite criticism, I won’t let anyone rain on my parade; I’m excited about my project.
  • “Lucy is upset I got a promotion at work!” “That’s fantastic! Don’t let her rain on your parade. Celebrate!”

The coast is clear

  • It’s safe to proceed; there is no danger or problems.
  • After checking the area, he signaled that the coast is clear for them to enter.
  • “Is it safe to come out now?” “Yes, the coast is clear. There’s no one around.”

The tip of the iceberg

  • Only a small, visible part of a much larger issue or problem.
  • The financial losses were just the tip of the iceberg for the struggling company.
  • “Did the company report any losses?” “Yes, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are deeper financial issues.”

Walking on thin ice

  • Being very careful in fear of upsetting another person.
  • Speaking openly about the controversial topic felt like walking on thin ice.
  • “Be careful with your comments during the meeting.” “I know; I feel like I’m walking on thin ice with this topic.”

To see the ultimate list of idioms related to nature then visit our comprehensive list with meaning and example sentence called nature idioms

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