The phrase "water the mouth" is spelled in English using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈwɔː.tər ðə ˈmaʊθ/. The first syllable "wa" is pronounced as "waw", and the "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as the "a" in "father". The "th" in "the" is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative, and the last syllable "mouth" is pronounced to rhyme with "south". When saying this phrase, it refers to the process of making one's mouth water in anticipation of something delicious.
"Water the mouth" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the sensation of increased salivation or the watering of one's mouth, typically in response to the anticipation or sight of food or something delicious. It is a metaphorical description of the physiological reaction that occurs when the taste buds and smell receptors are stimulated, triggering the production and secretion of saliva in the mouth.
The phrase "water the mouth" implies a pleasurable and intense desire for food or the feeling of having an appetite stimulated. It conveys a vivid image of the physical response that takes place when the taste or aroma of something appetizing is encountered, as in craving, anticipation, or a heightened sense of hunger. This expression is often used to indicate intense cravings, as though the mouth is producing saliva in such great quantities that it feels as though it is being doused or "watered."
The metaphorical significance of "water the mouth" lies in the idea that saliva aids in the initial stages of digestion by facilitating the breakdown and transportation of food particles. Therefore, the heightened production of saliva can be seen as the body's preparation for receiving and processing food. Overall, the phrase "water the mouth" captures the multisensory experience of appetite and desire, highlighting the primary role that taste and smell play in our enjoyment and anticipation of food.