WATER

Throw the baby out with the bath water.
1. Dump a plan before fully understanding it.
2. Sort out the best features of something, and reject the worst.
3. When trying to improve something, mistakenly get rid of the good things along with the bad.
He was criticised but it was like water off a duck's back.
1. He was criticised but the criticism had no effect on him.
2. He was very worried by the criticism but showed little emotion.
3. He didn't understand why he should be concerned about the criticism.
Blood is thicker than water
1. Family are more important than friends.
2. When swimming in blood you don't sink.
3. Good friends are necessary but other people are unimportant.
You're really in hot water!
1. Everything you did will prove to be right!
2. You're going to be very successful!
3. You're in big trouble!
I'll do it, come hell or high water!
1. I'll certainly do it if conditions are right!
2. I'm determined to attempt it!
3. Whatever happens, I'll do it!
It's water under the bridge.
1. It's a situation you should avoid getting involved in.
2. It's an old problem now, and best forgotten.
3. It's an interesting situation and you should get involved in it.
The government are treading water at present
1. The government are up to their necks in trouble at the moment.
2. The government are trying not to drown in anti-government sentiment.
3. The government are not doing anything at present, but just waiting.
The boss's plan was blown out of the water
1. The boss's plan was a huge success.
2. The boss's plan was shown to be totally useless.
3. The boss's plan was shown to be the most practical.