icy waters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy waters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe cold bodies of water, often in a literal sense or metaphorically to convey danger or difficulty. Example: "The sailors navigated through the icy waters, aware of the risks that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms Bettles does not wear a wetsuit, despite often plunging into icy waters.

The Economist

The ship went down, disappearing in icy waters nearly three miles deep.

The New York Times

There is little chance stranded musk oxen could swim to shore in the icy waters.

Independent

We swim out into deep, icy waters of aquamarine and navy blue.

Independent

The next thing they knew, they were plunging into the Skagit River's icy waters.

The New York Times

I had plunged into the icy waters of a river near the Arctic Circle.

The New York Times - Travel

The Ocean Nova was built in 1992 to sail in icy waters around Greenland.

The Guardian

When the sun burned down hot, they bathed in the icy waters of the torrent.

The New York Times - Books

It was 110°F but I began digging furiously, a breeze from the Klamath's icy waters cooling me down.

Independent

He has also allowed Shell to start prospecting in the icy waters off the north coast of Alaska.

The Economist

Kind of like those New Year's Day swims in icy waters, where you plunge in and plunge out, real quick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a dangerous situation, use "icy waters" to evoke a sense of peril and difficulty. For example, "Navigating the business world can be like sailing through "icy waters"".

Common error

Avoid using "icy waters" metaphorically when the context doesn't logically connect to coldness, danger, or difficulty. Overusing it can weaken the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy waters" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'icy' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'waters'. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used to describe bodies of water with extremely low temperatures, literally or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "icy waters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, commonly employed to depict extremely cold bodies of water or, metaphorically, to represent perilous and challenging situations. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly featured in news and media, and scientific contexts, its register remains largely neutral, rendering it suitable for diverse writing styles. While alternatives such as "frigid waters" or "glacial waters" exist, "icy waters" effectively conveys both literal and figurative meanings. It is important to use this expression appropriately to avoid diminishing its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frigid waters

Replaces "icy" with "frigid", emphasizing the extreme coldness of the water.

glacial waters

Implies the waters are as cold as a glacier, suggesting extremely low temperatures.

frozen seas

Shifts from 'waters' to 'seas' and indicates a state of being frozen.

chilling waters

Focuses on the sensation of coldness the waters evoke.

ice-cold waters

Adds emphasis to the coldness using "ice-cold".

bitterly cold waters

Emphasizes the intensity of the cold, implying an unpleasant or harsh coldness.

wintry seas

Conveys a cold, winter-like quality to the seas.

frozen rivers

Specifies the type of water body and implies that the rivers are frozen.

sub-zero waters

Indicates that the water temperature is below freezing.

frozen lakes

Specifies the type of water body and implies that the lakes are frozen.

FAQs

How can I use "icy waters" in a sentence?

You can use "icy waters" to describe a literal cold body of water, such as, "The ship sailed through the "icy waters" of the Arctic". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a challenging or dangerous situation.

What are some synonyms for "icy waters"?

Alternatives for "icy waters" include "frigid waters", "glacial waters", or "frozen seas", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "icy waters" to describe a difficult situation?

Yes, using "icy waters" metaphorically to describe a difficult or perilous situation is perfectly acceptable. It evokes a sense of danger and the need for careful navigation.

What's the difference between "icy waters" and "cold waters"?

"Icy waters" typically imply a more extreme level of coldness than "cold waters". "Icy waters" might also suggest the presence of ice, or a more hazardous environment due to the extreme cold.