dead in the water

Idioms

Unable to function or move; inoperable. For example, Without an effective leader, our plans for expansion are dead in the water. Originally referring to a crippled ship, this colloquialism was soon applied more broadly.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, the revival of a trade deal once deemed dead in the water is good news for both the EU and India.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Without AI, the U.S. economy would be dead in the water, according to Jason Furman of Harvard External link, a former head of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

The players don't buy into it, therefore it's dead in the water.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

They were a franchise that was dead in the water.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2024

“Say you’re dead in the water and in need of help. What would be your next move?”

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023