# take on water

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-on-water
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be in an increasingly difficult or risky situation; to falter or begin to fail.

## Examples

- The project is taking on water because we lack enough staff.
- The company started taking on water after losing its biggest client, leading to serious budget cuts.
- As the political campaign began taking on water due to the recent scandal, the candidate struggled to maintain public support.

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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.