there must be something in the water
There are so many instances of something unusual, such as in people's behavior, that there must be a common cause.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Three friends got married this month; there must be something in the water.”
“Four neighbors bought the same red car; there must be something in the water.”
“Everyone in our office is having twins this year, so there must be something in the water.”
“Every single person at the party is suddenly talking about moving to the countryside, so I think there must be something in the water.”
“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.”
The phrase originates from the notion that a pervasive chemical or biological substance has been introduced into a local supply of drinking water. It suggests that a shared, unusual behaviour observed in a population is the result of collective ingestion rather than individual agency or coincidence. The expression relies upon the premise that water, as a universal medium, provides a convenient explanation for a sudden and otherwise inexplicable shift in the local temperament.
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a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
all there
Mentally competent; not absent-minded or insane.
- 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.
- 04
be there
To be available to provide comfort and support for someone, especially in a period of difficulty.
- 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.
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been there, done that, bought the T-shirt
Expresses the speaker's complete familiarity with a situation, with overtones of cynicism or exhaustion.
- 07
been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
- 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 August 10, 2026