Idioms

dead in the water

This page is about the idiom 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

a. cannot afford to pay higher wages

b. won't mind paying higher wages

c. are dying to pay higher wages
a) cannot afford to pay higher wages b) won't mind paying higher wages c) are dying to pay higher wages
dead in the water

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey