Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition tread water in British English

tread water phrase

phrase
1

to not make progress, especially because you have to wait for something else to happen first

Example

For now we're just treading water, but we hope negotiations will begin soon.

Synonyms and related words
falter fall behind not be getting/going anywhere
2

to stay upright in deep water by moving your legs and arms so that your head stays out of the water

Synonyms and related words
backstroke bathe bathing
Definition tread water in British English