What does “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” mean?
"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" means having plenty of something but not being able to use or enjoy it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After winning the lottery, he had water, water everywhere, but couldn't find happiness.
Example
She had water, water everywhere in her closet, but nothing to wear for the party.
Example
The hotel had a beautiful pool, but it was water, water everywhere and no one could swim due to maintenance issues
Is “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” effectively in context?
You can use "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" to express a situation where there is an abundance of something, but you are unable to benefit from it. It emphasizes the frustration and irony of having plenty of something but not being able to use or enjoy it. For example, if someone has a lot of money but is still unhappy, you could say, 'He had "water, water everywhere", but couldn't find happiness.'
- 1Wealth
After winning the lottery, he had water, water everywhere, but couldn't find happiness.
- 2Fashion
She had water, water everywhere in her closet, but nothing to wear for the party.
- 3Recreation
The hotel had a beautiful pool, but it was water, water everywhere and no one could swim due to maintenance issues.
Similar phrases to “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" can be traced back to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' which was published in 1798. In the poem, the line is used to describe a situation where a ship is surrounded by seawater, but the sailors are unable to drink it because it is undrinkable saltwater.
Is “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” common in everyday conversation?
"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" is not a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or used as a literary reference.
What tone does “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” have?
"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" conveys a tone of frustration and irony. It highlights the paradoxical situation of having an abundance of something but being unable to benefit from it.
Can “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" is a formal expression that is more commonly used in written or literary contexts rather than in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After winning the lottery, he had "water, water everywhere", but couldn't find happiness.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'So much to do, but "water, water everywhere".'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- abundance without benefit
- plenty but no use
- frustrating abundance
- riches without joy
Antonyms
- scarcity with enjoyment
- lack but contentment
- want and satisfaction
