あたりは水を打ったように静かだった。

on the bank of; by the side of (e.g. a river, pond); (in the) neighbourhood; neighborhood; vicinity; nearby; around (Sunday, last year, etc...); for instance

topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis

water (esp. cool, fresh water, e.g. drinking water); fluid (esp. in an animal tissue); liquid; flood; floodwaters; water offered to wrestlers just prior to a bout; break granted to wrestlers engaged in a prolonged bout

indicates direct object of action; indicates subject of causative expression; indicates an area traversed; indicates time (period) over which action takes place; indicates point of departure or separation of action; indicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.

to hit; to strike; to knock; to beat; to punch; to slap; to tap; to bang; to clap; to pound; to strike (noon, etc.); to sound (cymbals, etc.); to beat (a drum, etc.); to beat (rhythmically, e.g. pulse, waves, etc.); to move; to impress; to touch; to drive in; to hammer in; to put in; to inject; to type; to send; to transmit; to insert; to write in; to mark; to make (noodles, etc.); to prepare; to till (soil); to sprinkle; to throw; to cast; to do; to carry out; to play; to perform; to engage in (gambling, etc.); to pay (a deposit, etc.); to visit (on a pilgrimage); to line (a coat); to bind (a criminal)

in order to (e.g. meet goal); so that; take care (so as); hoping or wishing for something

quiet; silent; slow; unhurried; calm; peaceful

be; is; indicates past or completed action; indicates light imperative