ABOVE WATER Meaning and
Definition
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Above water is an idiomatic expression used to describe a financial situation where one is not drowning in debt and is able to meet financial obligations. It refers to the state of being financially stable, having enough income and resources to cover expenses and debts. When someone is above water, they are able to maintain a balance between income and expenses, staying afloat financially without being overwhelmed by debt or financial burdens.
The term above water originates from the imagery of a person swimming or floating on the surface of water, implying that they are not struggling or in danger of sinking. In a financial context, being above water suggests that one has managed to maintain a favorable financial position, avoiding bankruptcy or financial hardship.
Being above water implies that an individual or entity has a positive net worth and is able to meet their financial commitments without incurring additional debt. It signifies having financial peace of mind, stability, and a sense of control over one's finances.
Achieving a state of being above water often requires careful planning, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions. It can involve factors such as having a stable job, managing expenses wisely, minimizing debt, and saving for emergencies or future goals.
Overall, being above water denotes a strong financial position where obligations are met, debts are controlled, and financial stability is maintained.
Etymology of ABOVE WATER
The etymology of the phrase "above water" can be traced back to the combination of two separate words: "above" and "water".
"Above" originated from the Old English word "abufan", which meant "on top of" or "over something". It evolved from the earlier Germanic word "ufan", meaning "over" or "upward".
The word "water" comes from the Old English term "wæter", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "watar". This term ultimately finds its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "wodr̥", meaning "water".
When these two words, "above" and "water", are combined, they create the phrase "above water", which signifies something being situated or floating on top of the water surface.
Idioms with the word ABOVE WATER
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keep your head above water
The idiom "keep your head above water" means to manage or cope with a difficult or challenging situation, especially a financially or emotionally stressful one, without completely succumbing to it. It implies staying afloat and maintaining a basic level of control or stability despite the adversity or pressure.
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keep head above water
The idiom "keep head above water" means to manage to stay financially afloat or to cope with a difficult or challenging situation, often by overcoming obstacles or managing one's responsibilities. It implies struggling to survive or maintain stability in adverse circumstances.
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keep one's head above water
The idiom "keep one's head above water" means to manage or cope with a difficult situation, especially financial or personal problems, without being overwhelmed or drowning. It implies staying afloat or surviving despite challenging circumstances.
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get head above water and have head above water
The idiom "get head above water" or "have head above water" means to successfully manage or stay out of a difficult or challenging situation, especially financial troubles. It often implies getting to a stable or secure position after being overwhelmed or struggling with various problems.
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head above water, keep one's
To keep one's head above water means to manage to survive or cope in difficult circumstances, especially financially. It often implies struggling to stay afloat and avoiding being overwhelmed by challenges or debts.
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above water
The idiom "above water" means to be financially stable or to be managing to stay out of debt. It can also refer to being able to cope with a difficult situation or to stay afloat despite challenges or difficulties.
