Dead in the water

usgb
adjective

To be stopped and unable to progress.

Their project was dead in the water after their funding was cut.
Visual representation of "dead in the water" - To be stopped and unable to progress

Often appears as...

  • project is dead in the water
  • plan is dead in the water

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "dead in the water"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impasse Context

Use when a situation cannot move forward because of an obstacle or disagreement.

Illustration for Impasse Context
The peace talks were dead in the water due to lack of compromise.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literally Stopped

It's a metaphor for lack of progress, not necessarily a physical halt.

Illustration for Not Literally Stopped
The innovation team's idea was dead in the water after the negative feedback.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasizing Failure

Use it to stress the absence of progress, with a tone of finality.

Illustration for Emphasizing Failure
The bill was dead in the water after the council's unanimous vote against it.
Visual representation of the word "Dead in the water"

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