high waters

American  

plural noun

Slang.

1. trousers short enough to expose the ankles, especially as worn by growing children whom they earlier fit.

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Etymology

Origin of high waters

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

California’s high waters are now receding, but the opportunity to capture runoff will likely continue through the spring as a hefty mountain snowpack melts.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 22, 2023

Communities across the Puget Sound area are preparing for high waters and potential flooding as king tides are forecast to raise waters in the early mornings of Jan. 23-25.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2023

The sheriff’s office in Volusia County said it was looking into whether it needed to acquire more vehicles capable of traveling in high waters.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2022

Signs warning people about dangerously high waters stuck out of the riverbed, and rocks lay exposed.

From Reuters • Aug. 10, 2022

The high waters along the shoreline had caused some of the animals to migrate inland, deep into the Amazonian rain forest.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple