tread water
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
She had been alone with him many times at the swimming hole where he taught her one summer how to tread water and do the breaststroke.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
