Phrase guide

keep one's head above water

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To survive or endure, especially in a situation in which one is struggling to avoid being overwhelmed by adverse financial circumstances.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonym: tread water

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: tread water

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: maintain an above-water position of one's head so as not to drown in the water.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonym: tread water

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: tread water

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 勉強維持 /勉强维持 (miǎnqiǎng wéichí) — survive
  • Czech: držet se nad vodou — survive
  • Danish: holde hovedet oven vande — survive
  • Dutch: zijn hoofd boven water houden — survive
  • Dutch: het overleven — survive
  • Dutch: het de baas kunnen — survive
  • Finnish: pitää nenä pinnalla — survive
  • French: garder la tête hors de l'eau — survive
  • German: sich über Wasser halten — survive
  • Icelandic: fleyta sér — survive
  • Norwegian Bokmål: ha hodet over vannet — survive
  • Norwegian Bokmål: holde hodet over vannet — survive
  • Polish: utrzymywać się na powierzchni — survive
  • Polish: utrzymać się na powierzchni — survive
  • Swedish: hålla sig flytande — survive