Keep your head above water
verb phrase
To manage to survive, especially financially.
Diane has been struggling to keep her head above water since she lost her job.
Often appears as...
- struggling to keep head above water
- just about keeping head above water
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To stay out of trouble.
Joe is trying his best to keep his head above water and stay out of jail.
Often appears as...
- trying to keep head above water
- keeping head above water
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To survive in a difficult or challenging situation.
With all these assignments, I'm barely keeping my head above water.
Often appears as...
- barely keeping head above water
- keeping head above water through difficulties
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To manage to survive, especially financially.
Diane has been struggling to keep her head above water since she lost her job.
Often appears as...
- struggling to keep head above water
- just about keeping head above water
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To stay out of trouble.
Joe is trying his best to keep his head above water and stay out of jail.
Often appears as...
- trying to keep head above water
- keeping head above water
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To survive in a difficult or challenging situation.
With all these assignments, I'm barely keeping my head above water.
Often appears as...
- barely keeping head above water
- keeping head above water through difficulties
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Stress
Used when discussing financial struggles or stability.
Many small businesses are just keeping their head above water.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Understand it's a metaphor for surviving tough times, not literally swimming.
After her rent hike, Lily was struggling to keep her head above water.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Overtones
Can imply worry or anxiety about staying afloat financially.
To keep his head above water, he worked two jobs.
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Stress
Used when discussing financial struggles or stability.
Many small businesses are just keeping their head above water.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Understand it's a metaphor for surviving tough times, not literally swimming.
After her rent hike, Lily was struggling to keep her head above water.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Overtones
Can imply worry or anxiety about staying afloat financially.
To keep his head above water, he worked two jobs.
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Stress
Used when discussing financial struggles or stability.
Many small businesses are just keeping their head above water.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Understand it's a metaphor for surviving tough times, not literally swimming.
After her rent hike, Lily was struggling to keep her head above water.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Overtones
Can imply worry or anxiety about staying afloat financially.
To keep his head above water, he worked two jobs.
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