Summary
Highlights
The video (part 123 of the American Idioms series) introduces five new idioms, numbered 611 to 615. Viewers are encouraged to pause and guess the meaning of each idiom before the answer and an additional example are provided.
The idiom 'water down something' means to reduce the strength or effectiveness of something. An example given is how new laws 'watered down' the mayor's power, causing him upset. Another example shows how a presidential administration might 'water down' regulations to boost the economy.
'Muddy the water or waters' means to make something less clear or confusing. The example illustrates how a CEO's proposed solutions, instead of helping, 'muddied the waters' by making the situation more confusing. A second example highlights how a city council dealing with multiple unrelated issues can 'muddy the waters'.
To 'cross the line' signifies violating or defying the furthest limit of what is allowable. An example explains that speaking rudely to a teacher 'crosses the line' and will lead to expulsion. Another instance demonstrates a website being sued for 'crossing the line' by publishing inappropriate pictures.
A 'herculean effort' refers to a job or task that requires a great deal of effort, drawing from the strength of the Greek hero Hercules. The video uses the example of painting a huge house alone as a 'herculean effort'. Solving homelessness in a country is also cited as a 'herculean effort'.
The idiom 'to keep someone in the dark' means to keep someone uninformed about something. An example used is being 'kept in the dark' about new employees' criminal records, leading to upset. Another example describes employees being 'kept in the dark' about the sale of their company.