The phrase "to churn the water" means to disturb or agitate a body of water by stirring or mixing it, often resulting in a turbulent or chaotic state. Full definition
«PETA depends on actors and crew members to come forward when they see mistreatment, whether it involves a dog who is being forced into churning water on the set of «A Dog's Purpose «or an A-list actor who is being asked to molest his canine co-star,» PETA Vice President Lisa Lange said in a statement. (ohmidog.com)
Pursued by the law, anti-heroes Butch (Paul Newman) and Sundance (Robert Redford) arrive at a bluff overlooking a long drop ending in churning waters. (njresumeservice.com)
At this latitude, swift, prevailing westerly winds continually churn the waters as they circumnavigate the continent, earning the region the nickname «the screaming»60s». (sciencemag.org)