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.
A safe self-rescue includes being able to tread water for 30 seconds, children being able to float on their back for 60 seconds and swim 15m to exit the water unaided.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
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
When I came to the place where the willows arched over a deep pool in the swift-running brook, I paused to tread water.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
