tread water
To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking…To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions.
» In order to swim, you have to learn to tread water first.
Meaning
2 senses(intransitive)To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions.
Near-synonym: keep one's head above water
Wasser treten
(figuratively)To make no progress, expending effort just enough to maintain a stable position.
Near-synonym: keep one's head above water
auf der Stelle treten, sich im Kreis drehen
топта́ться на ме́стеtoptátʹsja na méste
топта́тись на мі́сціtoptátysʹ na mísci
Examples
3 sentencesIn order to swim, you have to learn to tread water first.
I feel like I'm treading water.
ruУ меня такое ощущение, что я топчусь на месте. — marafon
The fact is I'm barely treading water.
Translations
8 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 2
Forms
treads water, treading water, treaded water, treaded water| Base form | tread water · to tread water |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | treads water |
| Present participle | treading water |
| Past simple | treaded water / trod water |
| Past participle | treaded water / trod water / trodden water |
irregular · Lesson
Synonyms
1 synonymsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle