Ancient Idioms of Nyphane

The ancient nymph language of Nyphane is eons old (give or take a few years), and is the mother tongue of all subsequent nymph languages, with evidence that it and the ancient efline tongue of Predomina share a common ancestor (of which both peoples adamantly deny).   Nyphane is a curious language, in that it is related to only Predomina, and no other Faelareign tongue. Nymphs love to claim that it is the oldest language on Talis, but that honor goes to Sonkotrow.   Ancient nymphs coveted their words, and they jealously guarded them from outside encroachment, so while the years have weighed heavy, modern nymph languages are more similar than different to their originator. This can be seen in the number of idioms that have passed through the ages without alteration.  

  Languages, on the whole, are malleable, changing often, swallowing or adapting words and phrases, altering pronunciation, and becoming something new. Not so with Nyphane and its descendants.   I ascribe this lack of change to two things:

1. 1) nymphs have always possessed a strict written language, so even when pronunciation changed, the spellings did not
2. 2) nymphs can live up to 5000 years. Want to speak with granna? Yeah, you need to know her language, because she probably isn't going to take the time to learn your more modern one

  What does this all mean? Well, it means that many terms and phrases remain in common usage because nymphs from all age groups understand them. Believe me when I say, you don't want to embarrass an old mafiz by using a modern turn of phrase that they don't understand. They will make certain you never repeat that mistake.  

  There are many, many idioms still in use that descended from Nyphane, and yes, nymphs will be snobby about it if you don't know them. As a human graduate from Reddown under Lake, I know from painful experience.   Most are water-centric, as they are water-centric faelareign, but many have a philosophical bend.   Below are the common ones you should know if you speak to a nymph, especially those with a millennium or two under their belt.  

• Obliterate from memory:
  This is the big one. It means that a nymph has done something so embarrassing, no one will speak of/to them anymore. We're not talking about using the wrong fork at dinner, either. We're talking about generals who lost wars they should have won, or rulers being usurped by an elfine.   It makes for some interesting family dynamics when you're not supposed to talk to your five-times removed grandda anymore. This is also why elfines smugly keep track of nymph history for them.  
• Ride the storm waves
  Ride the storm waves means something is incredibly difficult, and you might figuratively drown in it. (if you're curious, yes, the normal 'ride the waves' means something that's so incredibly simple even a babe could do it).  
• He/She/They look green
  Nymphs have greenish hues to their skin. Saying one looks green means they look healthy.  
• A Stick in the waves
  This is someone who lets life take them where it may. It usually refers to younger nymphs who have no idea what they will do with the rest of their lives, or bards (and only bards. Not actors or any other players, just bards).  
• Sand/Mud in your mouth
  Refers to someone who has spoken unwisely/doesn't tell the truth.  
• Swimming for distant shores
  Something so incredibly far into the future, it probably won't happen.  
• Drowning in seafoam
  Someone who's so angry, they can't think  
• Waiting for the tide
  Yearning for something good to happen (like a marriage proposal or a new job)  
• As wet as it gets
  Nothing more positive/negative can happen because there's already an abundance.  
• Like mountains washed into the sea/lake
  Inevitable.  
• Avoid the kelp
  Don't get entangled in something easily seen/understood.  
• Bite the fish
  Do something unexpected or abnormal; go against societal norms.  
• Don't be magnanimous to the shark
  The shark, which is big, strong, deadly, already has everything it needs, and if you try to give it more, it will eat you. Help the smaller fish instead.  
• Take a Swim
  Cool off before you do something foolish.  
• Don't crack the dome
  As nymphs live in underwater domed communities, you can imagine that a crack in the magic can lead to catastrophe. Here, it means don't step outside traditional boundaries, because the results might harm you--or worse.