English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Head above water
Meaning
The idiom "head above water" means to be surviving or managing, particularly financially, with some degree of comfort or stability. It suggests that someone is able to keep their head above the waves of difficulties or hardships and stay afloat.
Usage
- The company was struggling to stay afloat, but after landing a new contract, they were finally able to get their heads above water.
- Despite her financial troubles, she always managed to keep her head above water by cutting corners wherever necessary.
- He had been out of work for months and was feeling like he would never be able to get his head above water again.
- After years of being in debt, they were finally able to pay off their bills and get their heads above water.
- The pandemic had hit the tourism industry hard, but hotels were slowly starting to pick up business and get their heads above water again.
Roots and History
The earliest known use of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in the nautical world, where it referred to a ship that was just barely afloat and had its head above the water line. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to any situation where someone was managing to stay afloat, both literally and figuratively.
Synonyms in English
- Keeping up appearances
- Staying afloat
- Barely making ends meet
- Scraping by
- Getting by
Synonyms in other languages
- French: se tenir à flotté - This phrase literally means "to stay on a float" and implies that someone is able to keep themselves afloat, both financially and emotionally.
- Spanish: estar en la superficie - This phrase literally means "to be on the surface" and suggests that someone is able to navigate through difficulties with some degree of comfort or stability.
- Italian: stare per l'acqua - This phrase literally means "to stay for the water" and implies that someone is managing to keep themselves afloat, both financially and emotionally.
- German: mit dem Kopf über Wasser halten - This phrase literally means "to hold one's head above the water" and suggests that someone is able to navigate through difficulties with some degree of comfort or stability.
- Mandarin Chinese: 沉不下来 - This phrase literally means "to sink bottomless" and implies that someone is struggling to stay afloat, both financially and emotionally.