Meaning
Being about to lose one's position.
Cultural Background
In Turkish offices, direct confrontation is often avoided. Instead, people use idioms like this to signal that someone's performance is unacceptable before formal action is taken. Sports newspapers (like Fanatik or Fotomaç) frequently use this idiom in headlines with a picture of a coach looking worried next to a boiling pot. The idiom's link to the 'last bath' reflects a deep-seated cultural awareness of mortality and the ritualistic nature of endings in Turkish society. Younger Turks might use it for gadgets or apps that are becoming obsolete or 'cringe'.
Use with 'İyice'
Add 'iyice' (thoroughly) before 'ısındı' to sound like a native speaker when you are 100% sure someone is getting fired.
Not for Soup!
If you are in a restaurant and the soup is getting warm, don't say 'Çorbanın suyu ısındı.' Just say 'Çorba ısınıyor.'
Meaning
Being about to lose one's position.
Use with 'İyice'
Add 'iyice' (thoroughly) before 'ısındı' to sound like a native speaker when you are 100% sure someone is getting fired.
Not for Soup!
If you are in a restaurant and the soup is getting warm, don't say 'Çorbanın suyu ısındı.' Just say 'Çorba ısınıyor.'
The 'Gossip' Signal
Using this phrase often signals that you are sharing a secret or an observation that isn't public yet.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'su' and 'ısınmak'.
Müdür Ahmet'e çok kızgın. Ahmet'in ______ ______.
Since we are talking about Ahmet (3rd person), we use 'suyu' and the past tense 'ısındı'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Suyu ısınmak'?
A) A chef making a delicious soup. B) A football coach who lost 5 games in a row. C) A student getting an A+ on an exam.
The idiom is used for someone about to lose their position due to failure.
Complete the dialogue.
Can: 'Patron beni odasına çağırdı, çok sert bakıyordu.' Efe: 'Eyvah! Senin ______ ______ galiba.'
Efe is talking to Can (2nd person), so 'suyun' is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMüdür Ahmet'e çok kızgın. Ahmet'in ______ ______.
Since we are talking about Ahmet (3rd person), we use 'suyu' and the past tense 'ısındı'.
A) A chef making a delicious soup. B) A football coach who lost 5 games in a row. C) A student getting an A+ on an exam.
The idiom is used for someone about to lose their position due to failure.
Can: 'Patron beni odasına çağırdı, çok sert bakıyordu.' Efe: 'Eyvah! Senin ______ ______ galiba.'
Efe is talking to Can (2nd person), so 'suyun' is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you feel you are about to be fired, you can say 'Sanırım benim suyum ısındı.'
It's not a swear word, but it is blunt. Don't say it to the person's face unless you are their boss giving a very stern warning.
'Isınıyor' means the trouble is starting; 'ısındı' means the trouble is already at a peak.
Yes, for old machines or technology that is about to break down permanently.
Usually, but it can also mean being kicked out of a social group or a house.
No, this idiom is strictly for negative situations involving loss of position.
You say 'Suyu kaynadı.' This is even stronger than 'suyu ısındı.'
Only in opinion columns or sports news. Avoid it in academic or legal writing.
It refers to the water heated for a final ritual bath before burial.
No, that is not an idiom. To say the danger passed, you'd say 'Tehlike geçti.'
Related Phrases
Suyu kaynamak
specialized formTo be at the absolute breaking point.
Gözden düşmek
similarTo lose favor/prestige.
Ayağı kaymak
similarTo lose one's footing/position (often due to someone else's plot).
Bileti kesilmek
synonymTo have the decision for dismissal finalized.
