ENGLISH
REFERENCE

there must be something in the water

idiom
Meaning

There are so many instances of something unusual, such as in people's behavior, that there must be a common cause.


Origin

disputed origin

From the idea that there is a substance in drinking water which many people have drunk, thus affecting their behavior.

Examples
SIMPLE

Three friends got married this month; there must be something in the water.

CONTEXTUAL

Everyone in our office is having twins this year, so there must be something in the water.

COMPLEX

Given that five of my colleagues announced their resignations in the same week, one cannot help but think there must be something in the water.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    all there

    Mentally competent; not absent-minded or insane.

  3. 03

    as if there were no tomorrow

    To an excessive degree, oftentimes with little to no regard to future consequences; desperately; recklessly or wantonly; frantically; very quickly or very much.

  4. 04

    be there

    To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.

  5. 05

    been there, done that

    An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is not too keen on revisiting or redoing it again.

  6. 06

    been there, done that, bought the T-shirt

    Expresses the speaker's complete familiarity with a situation, with overtones of cynicism or exhaustion.

  7. 07

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  8. 08

    blood in the water

    In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, or enhanced expectation of victory by the others.

Last updated April 17, 2026