low-water mark
The term "low-water mark" originates from maritime and river navigation but is also used metaphorically to describe the lowest point in various contexts.
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Definition
B2Geography
(technical)The lowest level reached by a body of water, marked by a line or debris on the shore.
Example
- The low-water mark on the beach was clearly visible after the tide receded.
- Property boundaries along the river are often determined by the low-water mark.
B2General
(metaphorical)The lowest point or stage in a situation, often indicating a period of minimal success or greatest difficulty.
Example
- The company's financial crisis marked the low-water mark of its history.
- His career hit a low-water mark when he lost his job and his home.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "low-water mark":
high-water marklow waterhigh waterlow tidewater levelwater linelower boundary