waterworks
C1The literal meaning is neutral/technical. The figurative meaning ('tears') is informal and often humorous.
Definition
Meaning
A system for supplying water to a city or area, including reservoirs, pumping stations, and pipes; also refers to the physical buildings and facilities involved in this system.
A joking or informal term for the shedding of tears, crying; historically, also used as a humorous euphemism for the urinary system or the act of urination.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is usually treated as a singular noun in its literal sense (e.g., The waterworks is old). In its figurative 'tears' sense, it is often plural ('the waterworks started'), and frequently used with verbs like 'turn on', 'start', 'begin'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use the term for water supply systems and figuratively for crying. No major difference in usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English as a humorous, slightly dated term for crying (e.g., 'She turned on the waterworks'). In American English, the literal sense is primary.
Frequency
The figurative sense is moderately frequent in informal UK speech; less frequent but understood in US informal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] waterworks [VERB]to turn on/start the waterworksthe waterworks of [PLACE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Turn on the waterworks (to start crying, often deliberately)”
- “Shut off the waterworks (to stop crying)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, unless in the context of municipal contracts or infrastructure projects.
Academic
Used in historical, engineering, or urban planning contexts.
Everyday
Primarily used in its humorous, figurative sense ('don't start the waterworks!').
Technical
Refers precisely to the infrastructure for public water supply.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The city has a big waterworks.
- She turned on the waterworks when she lost her toy.
- The old waterworks building is now a museum.
- Every time he wants a new game, he turns on the waterworks.
- The municipal waterworks require significant investment to meet modern standards.
- Her emotional speech threatened to start the waterworks among the audience.
- The Victorian waterworks, a marvel of engineering, still forms the backbone of the city's supply.
- He dismissed her protests as mere theatrical waterworks designed to gain sympathy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'works' as a factory or plant. A WATERWORKS is a 'factory' that processes and delivers water to your taps.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEARS ARE A PUBLIC UTILITY / CRYING IS TURNING ON A TAP (The figurative sense relies on the metaphor of tears as water from a controlled system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate as 'водяные работы'. The literal equivalent is 'водопроводная станция' or 'водоканал'. The figurative sense ('tears') is идиоматическое 'пустить слезу' или 'распускать нюни'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable plural for multiple water systems (e.g., 'three waterworks' is odd). Treating the figurative sense as formal language. Confusing it with 'watermark' or 'waterwheel'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'waterworks' MOST likely to be used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as a singular noun for the system (The waterworks is old) but looks plural when referring to tears (The waterworks have started).
Only in its literal, technical sense (e.g., 'municipal waterworks'). The 'crying' sense is informal and often humorous, unsuitable for formal writing.
'Waterworks' specifically refers to the physical infrastructure (buildings, pumps). 'Water supply' is a broader term for the availability and provision of water.
It can be dismissive or belittling, implying the crying is excessive or manipulative. Use with caution, especially in sensitive situations.
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