The phrase "put on the water" refers to the act of brewing a cup of tea. There are several synonyms for this phrase that can be used in different situations. Some of the commonly used terms are "brew," "steep," "infuse," "douse," and "soak." Other possible synonyms include "prepare," "make," "heat," and "boil." Depending on the context and the individual's preference, any of these terms can be used to convey the idea of preparing a cup of tea. Using synonyms can be useful in creating a variation in language and avoiding redundancy in communication.