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

“Investors are rightfully looking for opportunities beyond the AI theme. And a more diverse set of sectors is helping broader averages like the S&P 500 tread water while near- and intermediate-term Tech dynamics play out.”

From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026

The Colts, expected to tread water at best in 2025, are openly talking about playoffs and championships.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

I had to remind myself to tread water or sink.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs