BATHWATER Meaning and
Definition
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Bathwater, noun
1. The water in a bathtub, typically used for bathing or cleaning purposes. It is often filled with warm or hot water, mixed with soap or bath products to enhance cleanliness, relaxation, or therapeutic effects. Bathwater is usually drained or released after use.
2. Figuratively, bathwater can refer to the liquid residue or remnants of a specific activity or situation. This usage commonly implies that there is something valuable or important mixed in with the less desirable or unnecessary elements, which should not be discarded without careful consideration. The idiom "throwing out the baby with the bathwater" highlights the potential danger of discarding something valuable or essential while trying to eliminate something undesirable.
3. In a metaphorical sense, bathwater can represent burdensome or oppressive influences or situations. It symbolizes the negative aspects of someone's life or circumstances, similar to the unpleasant or unwanted aspects of bathwater. This usage suggests the need to cleanse or remove such negativity in order to improve one's well-being or overall situation.
Overall, bathwater encompasses both literal and metaphorical meanings, often associated with water used for bathing or cleansing purposes. Its figurative use emphasizes the need for careful consideration to ensure that valuable or important elements are not discarded or hardships are not perpetuated.
Common Misspellings for BATHWATER
Etymology of BATHWATER
The word "bathwater" dates back to Middle English, where it was initially spelled as "bathwater" or "bathewatur". It is a combination of two Old English words: "bæþ" meaning "bath" and "wæter" meaning "water". The term has remained relatively consistent in its spelling and pronunciation throughout the centuries, and it continues to be used in its original context to refer to the water used for bathing.
Idioms with the word BATHWATER
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Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater
The idiom "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" means to avoid discarding something valuable or important while trying to get rid of something undesirable or problematic. It cautions against making hasty or extreme choices that may result in losing something worthwhile along with something undesirable. The phrase is often used to remind people to exercise caution and not overlook the positive aspects or elements of a situation.
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throw the baby out with the bathwater
The idiom "throw the baby out with the bathwater" means to discard or eliminate something valuable or important while trying to get rid of something undesirable or unnecessary. It describes a situation where someone mistakenly gets rid of the good along with the bad, often due to an overreaction or lack of discernment.
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throw out the baby with the bathwater
The idiom "throw out the baby with the bathwater" means to discard or eliminate something valuable or important while getting rid of something undesirable or unnecessary. It suggests making an excessive or hasty decision that inadvertently causes the loss or removal of what is good or valuable along with what is bad.
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