stew

v. cook at a slow boil, simmer; be cooked at a slow boil; worry, be anxious, fret (Informal); swelter, suffer from heat or humidity (Informal)

n. dish of meat and vegetables that is cooked by simmering; state of worry or confusion, agitated state; whorehouse, brothel (Archaic)

For the musician see Stew (musician). A stew is a combination of solid food ingredients that have been cooked in water or other water-based liquid, and that are then served without being drained.Ingredients in a stew can include any combination of vegetables (potatoes, beans, etc.), fruits (such as peppers and tomatoes), meat, poultry, sausages and seafood. While water can be used as the stew-cooking liquid, wine, stock, and beer (in particular, for chili) are also common. Seasoning and flavourings may also be added, as may be thickeners like corn starch or flour. Stews are typically cooked at a relatively low temperature (simmered, not boiled), to allow flavors to marry.
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Noun
1. agitation resulting from active worry; "don't get in a stew"; "he's in a sweat about exams"
(synonym) fret, sweat, lather, swither
(hypernym) agitation
(derivation) grizzle, brood
2. food prepared by stewing especially meat or fish with vegetables
(hypernym) dish
(hyponym) pottage
Verb
1. be in a huff; be silent or sullen
(synonym) grizzle, brood
(hypernym) sulk, pout, brood
(derivation) fret, sweat, lather, swither
2. bear a grudge; harbor ill feelings
(synonym) grudge
(hypernym) resent
3. cook slowly and for a long time in liquid; "Stew the vegetables in wine"
(hypernym) cook
(hyponym) jug
(classification) cooking, cookery, preparation

(v. t.)
To boil slowly, or with the simmering or moderate heat; to seethe; to cook in a little liquid, over a gentle fire, without boiling; as, to stew meat; to stew oysters; to stew apples.
  

(v. t.)
A state of agitating excitement; a state of worry; confusion; as, to be in a stew.
  

(v. t.)
A prostitute.
  

(v. t.)
A place of stewing or seething; a place where hot bathes are furnished; a hothouse.
  

(v. t.)
A dish prepared by stewing; as, a stewof pigeons.
  

(v. t.)
A brothel; -- usually in the plural.
  

(v. i.)
To be seethed or cooked in a slow, gentle manner, or in heat and moisture.
  

(n.)
An artificial bed of oysters.
  

(n.)
A small pond or pool where fish are kept for the table; a vivarium.
  

ru2 luo4 tang1 ji1
Like a chicken fallen into soup.
Possibly similar to "Like a drowned rat".

niu2 ding3 peng1 ji1
Cooking chicken in a cauldron for stewing oxen.
Originally meaning to use large instruments for minor jobs. Now meaning to put a man of great talents on a petty job. Compare with 杀鸡焉用牛刀 (sha1 ji1 yan1 yong4 niu2 dao1).