вариться в котле

I

• ВАРИТЬСЯ В каком КОТЛЕ{{}}

[VP; subj: human]

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⇒ to be a member, usu. for a considerable amount of time, of a certain group or body of people (as specified by the modifier), absorbing their views, approaches etc:

- X варился в нашем (в этом) котле{{}}≈ X was one of us (that crowd, their group, that circle etc);

- X was a part of that crowd (their group etc).

II

• (КАК <СЛОВНО, ТОЧНО> В КОТЛЕ КИПЕТЬ (ВАРИТЬСЯ) coll

[(как etc +) VP; subj: human; fixed WO]

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⇒ to be extremely nervous, worried about sth., be in a greatly agitated state (usu. for an extended period of time):

- X как в котле кипит{{}}≈ X is in a sweat;

- X is in a state;

- X is all keyed-up.