take on water
The phrase "take on water" can describe a ship's perilous condition or metaphorically depict a struggling situation.
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Definition
B2Nautical
(technical)To begin filling with water due to a leak or high waves, leading to potential sinking.
Example
- The boat started to take on water after hitting a submerged rock.
- During the storm, the ship began to take on water rapidly.
C1General
(idiomatic, metaphorical)To encounter increasing difficulties or problems, often indicating potential failure.
Example
- The company began to take on water after the market crash.
- His project is taking on water due to a lack of funding.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take on water":
take watertake onhold one's watermake watertake on strengthwater canget wetfirst waterhigh watertank upblow watersuck undertake inwater down