keep one's head above water

/kˈiːp wˈɒnz hˈɛd əbˌʌv wˈɔːtə/

/kˈiːp wˈʌnz hˈɛd əbˌʌv wˈɔːɾɚ/

to keep one's head above water

to manage to stay strong and determined, despite the likelihood of failure

Examples

1. For years they struggled to keep their heads above water.

2. We have so much debt that we're barely able to keep our heads above water.

3. The business is in trouble, but we are just about keeping our heads above water.

4. But Jones seems to be doing a bit more than just keeping his head above water.