Meaning of dead in the water | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Stationary with respect to the current, having no means of propulsion.
   literally, not-comparable
2. Doomed; unable to succeed.
   figuratively, not-comparable

Equivalents

Examples

“Unaware of her compatriots' fate, Aaron Ward found herself staring down the gun barrels of Kirishima, a fight that did not end well for the destroyer, which was soon dead in the water.”

“I'm afraid we have to inform the Prime Minister that Operation Undertow is dead in the water.”

“Each case I handle convinces me further that marriage is dead in the water.”

“Lambie said the crossbench had been clear it also wanted a better approvals process in place before the end of the year, but the minister’s reforms would be “dead in the water if she doesn’t tighten up the standards”.”

“Priti Patel’s plans to send back small boats carrying migrants in the Channel are already “dead in the water”, an immigration workers’ union has said.”

CEFR level