"Waters the mouth" is spelled as /ˈwɔːtərz ðə maʊθ/. In this phrase, the verb "water" means to cause or produce saliva in one's mouth due to the anticipation of food or drink. The spelling of "waters" includes the irregular inflectional ending "-s" to indicate the third person singular present tense. The word "mouth" is spelled with the voiceless dental fricative /θ/ instead of the voiced interdental fricative /ð/ found in the verb "waters" due to English spelling conventions.
"Waters the mouth" is a colloquial phrase that refers to the stimulation of one's desire or anticipation for something, typically related to food or drink. The phrase originates from the physical response of salivating or the sensation of one's mouth becoming moist in anticipation of indulging in something delicious or satisfying.
When a person's mouth waters, it is an involuntary physiological reaction triggered by the anticipation of tasting or consuming something appetizing. It is often associated with the sight, smell, or even the mere thought of food that is particularly tempting or mouthwatering. This phrase is commonly used to describe the effect of tempting or enticing food stimuli that invoke a pleasurable response in individuals.
The expression "waters the mouth" also extends beyond the realm of gastronomy and can be used metaphorically to describe situations where one's desire or craving for something is strongly evoked. It can be applied to various scenarios, such as the anticipation of a long-awaited event, the prospect of success or achievement, or even the allure of acquiring material possessions. In these contexts, "waters the mouth" conveys a sense of heightened interest, excitement, and eagerness.
Overall, the phrase "waters the mouth" captures the sensation of intense longing or craving that arises from the anticipation of something highly desirable, whether it be related to food, experiences, or aspirations.