get (one's) head above water

get (one's) head above water

1. Literally, to hold one's head out of the water as to avoid drowning. This lifejacket will help Sally to get her head above water in the pool. I knew I would be OK if I could just get my head above water, but the current was too strong. Once she was able to get her head above water, she was coughing and gasping for air.

2. By extension, to (barely) avoid being consumed by a stressful or unpleasant situation (often related to work or finance). I can't seem to get my head above water without using credit cards. Now that the boss is back from vacation, I can barely get my head above water. I swear, I have about 17 reports to run. When you're poor, you end up taking on more debt just to get your head above water. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.

See also: above, get, head, water

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get one's head above water and have one's head above water

 

1. Lit. to get one's head above the surface of the water while swimming. (See also keep one's head above water.) He finally got his head above water and was able to get a good breath.

2. Fig. to manage to get oneself caught up with one's work or responsibilities. I can't seem to get my head above water. Work just keeps piling up. I'll be glad when I have my head above water.

See also: above, and, get, have, head, water

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.