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
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
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
The wind and waves hadn’t been that strong, yet even as he struggled to tread water with his numb limbs, he found himself drifting back toward the shoreline.
From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen
