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

New York gold contracts continued to tread water, falling slightly to around $4,340 a troy ounce.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

A safe self-rescue includes being able to tread water for 30 seconds, children being able to float on their back for 60 seconds and swim 15m to exit the water unaided.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 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

Ronan stands on the side wall of Henry’s boat, looking out at me as I tread water.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt