tread water

Verb

figuratively

To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions. / (figuratively) To make no progress, expending effort just enough to maintain a stable position.

Japanese Meaning

(字義) 浮力補助なしで、キックや手の動作を用いて水中で浮かび続けること、つまりその場にとどまる行為。 / (比喩) 進展がなく、ただ現状を保つために最低限の努力をし続ける状態

What is this buttons?

While waiting for rescue, she had to tread water for nearly an hour.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

救助を待つ間、彼女はほぼ1時間、浮力補助具を使わずに手足の動きだけでその場に浮かんでいなければならなかった。

Details

Sense（1）

To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions.

We gained the interior of the submarine cave without difficulty, and on emerging from the waves, supported ourselves for some time by treading water, while we held the two bundles above our heads.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

Details

Sense（2）

(figuratively) To make no progress, expending effort just enough to maintain a stable position.

The popular view is that, although technology and GDP advance, morals and society are treading water or, depending on your choice of newspaper, sinking back into decadence and barbarism.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

Details

treads water

（ present singular third-person ）

treading water

（ participle present ）

treaded water

（ US past regional ）

trod water

（ UK common past ）

treaded water

（ participle past ）

trodden water

（ UK common participle past ）

trod water

（ UK common participle past ）

Details

tread water

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