Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Never be tempted by water. The water tap should be sealed at lunchtime. If, for example, a sauce goes wrong, adding water doesn't help at all; one only achieves a taste of dishwater.

French Painter

JaVale McGee

We call Michael Beasley a walking bucket. All he needs is some dishwater and a mop.

American Athlete

Dishwater can be repurposed, indicating frugality or environmental awareness in contexts beyond literal dishwashing.

Reuse Context

Dishwater refers to the actual water used in washing dishes, not soapy liquid or detergent itself.

Literal Water

Dishwater is a type of greywater, which is wastewater that can be recycled for certain uses.

Grey Water

When used figuratively, dishwater can describe something or someone very uninteresting – a gentle reprimand.

Mild Insult

Phrases like 'dull as dishwater' are hyperbolic, emphasizing extreme boredom.

Hyperbole

This idiomatic use of dishwater is informal, suitable for casual conversation but not formal writing.