# blood in the water

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/blood-in-the-water
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, or enhanced expectation of victory by the others.

## Examples

- The team sensed blood in the water when their rivals made a mistake.
- Other sellers see blood in the water when a shop lowers its prices.
- When the company announced poor quarterly earnings, competitors saw blood in the water and launched an aggressive marketing campaign.
- As soon as the manager admitted he was confused by the new software, the ambitious employees sensed blood in the water and tried to take over his project.
- Once the senator stumbled during the debate, his opponents sensed blood in the water and began to attack his record with renewed intensity.

## Origin

From the observation of sharks and similar predators, which are drawn to the scent of blood spilled in the water. The presence of blood frequently precipitates a feeding frenzy among such creatures, a biological impulse that provides the basis for the idiom.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.