tread water
US /trɛd ˈwɔtər/
UK /trɛd ˈwɔtər/
1.
to stay in the same position without making progress, especially in a difficult situation
:
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The company has been treading water for months, waiting for the economy to improve.
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I feel like I'm just treading water in my career, not really advancing.
2.
to stay afloat in water by moving the legs and arms slightly
:
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The lifeguard taught the children how to tread water.
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She could tread water for a long time, which saved her when the boat capsized.