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

“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,” he added.

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

This lopsided pattern means that efforts to promote corporate accountability at best tread water, while industry victories regularly reshape the legal landscape.

From Slate • Jul. 11, 2025

We both tread water, staring at each other, our eyes all bugged in fear, and he goes: “Yo, I don’t know if I could make this either.”

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña