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.”

---

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Feb. 6, 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

But until the war ended there was nothing for me to do but tread water.

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier