high-water mark
The term "high-water mark" can refer to both literal and metaphorical peaks, including the highest level of water reached and the peak of success or value in various contexts.
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Definition
B2Hydrology
(literal)The highest level reached by a body of water, often marked by physical indicators.
Example
- After the storm, the high-water mark was visible on the walls of the house.
B2General
(figurative)The peak or most successful point in a process, activity, or career.
Example
- Winning the championship was the high-water mark of her career.
C1Finance
(technical)The highest value reached by an investment or portfolio, used as a benchmark for performance fees.
Example
- The fund manager only earns a bonus if the portfolio exceeds its previous high-water mark.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "high-water mark":
low-water markhigh waterhigh tidehigh groundlow waterhigh point