Language of the Day: Idioms about the Ocean
There’s nothing better than swimming in the ocean on a hot summer day. But did you know that the ocean is also a source of several idioms in English? Let’s take a look at some of these phrases inspired by the watery depths below.
“There are plenty of fish in the sea”
This expression is about dating, and we use it to tell someone that they have many options when it comes to romance. Did your boyfriend or girlfriend break up with you? Aw, don’t be sad. There are plenty of fish in the sea!
“The world is your oyster”
This idiom is used to tell someone they have unlimited opportunities. You just graduated from university, you moved to a new city to seek out opportunities and meet new people… wow! The world is your oyster!
“Making waves”
If someone is getting noticed in their industry we might say they are making waves. Or if something is catching everyone’s attention, like a new TV show, something in the news, or an up-and-coming celebrity.
“Like a fish out of water”
If someone is like a fish out of water, we mean that they are awkward or having difficulty with a situation. I’m terrible at sports, especially soccer. I’m like a fish out of water. It’s so embarassing.
weather the storm
“Smooth sailing”
This expression is usually used with the future tense to express that we have no worries, obstacles, or problems ahead. Moving to Vancouver was tough, but now that I’ve got a job and some friends, it’s just smooth sailing ahead.
“Test the waters”
We use this idiom when we are trying something new and we aren’t yet sure if we like it. I might want to work in healthcare, but I don’t know what it’s like. So I decided to do some volunteering first, just to test the waters.
