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Reference : Idioms : Death : dead in the water

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dead in the water

Meaning: If something is dead in the water, it has no chance of succeeding or of making any progress.

For example:

  • I'm sure that George's new company is dead in the water. Nobody's interested in buying his product.

  • The government's new health bill is dead in the water. It's got no chance of getting through the Senate.

Quick Quiz:

The union's proposal for higher wages is dead in the water. Most companies
  1. cannot afford to pay higher wages
  2. won't mind paying higher wages
  3. are dying to pay higher wages

Discuss: dead in the water

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