tread water

Idioms  

1. Expend effort that maintains one's status but does not make much progress toward a goal, as in He was just treading water from paycheck to paycheck. This idiom alludes to the term's literal meaning, that is, “keep one's head above water by remaining upright and pumping the legs.”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tread water

If needed, tread water and call for help.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Fennell’s eye for image-making is her greatest directorial strength; it’s what keeps her films afloat even when their screenplays struggle to tread water.

From Salon ● Feb. 14, 2026

The following year, a transitional team lost seven of 12 Tests as they continued to tread water in attack.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

Until further policy pronouncements on Iran are made, expect oil prices to tread water.

From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026

Jonathan’s eyes flew open as he jammed his feet down and began to tread water.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret