When the phrase "boiling water" is used in cooking instructions, does it mean "water that is fit for the purpose of boiling" (similar to the use of "cooking oil") or "water that is already boiling"? Sometimes I encounter an instruction like "Place 200 ml of boiling water in a microwavable container", followed by instructions to e.g. cook the food by placing it in the microwave. So this is what makes me doubt: if I have to cook (and therefore boil) the water later in any case, maybe the "boiling water" mentioned in the first instruction has the first of these meanings?
(Edit)
The specific example I've encountered this time is a packet of instant noodles. There are cooking instructions for both cooking on the hob and in the microwave, both mentioning the phrase "boiling water". Here they are (emphases mine):
HOB 2-3mins. Place 200ml of boiling water in a saucepan, add the contents of the seasoning sachet. Break the noodle block into 3 or 4 pieces and place into the seasoned boiling water. Bring back to the boil then simmer over a moderate heat for 3 minutes stirring frequently. Serve immediately.
MICROWAVE 800W 4 mins/900W 3½ mins. Place 200ml of boiling water into a microwaveable container. Add the contents of the seasoning sachet. Break the noodle block into 3 or 4 pieces, add to the seasoned boiled water and cover. Cook on full power for 1 minute and 30 seconds (800 W)/1 minute 15 seconds (900 w), stir then cook on full power for another 1 minute after cooking. Serve immediately.
After re-reading, it seems clearer to me that the meaning is the second one, as the instructions say e.g. "bring back to the boil", implying that the water was already boiling.