🌊 Keep One’s Head Above Water, To
Definition: To avoid financial ruin; also, to avoid being overwhelmed by overwork, too many commitments, or other excessive demands.
Synonyms:
- Staying solvent
- Maintaining financial stability
- Surviving
- Keeping afloat
Antonyms:
- Sinking
- Drowning in debt
- Overwhelmed
- Bankrupt
Related and Similar Terms:
- Keeping the wolf from the door
- Treading water
- Making ends meet
- Surviving by the skin of one’s teeth
Humor-filled Quote:
“I’m so good at keeping my head above water that I’ve considered installing a periscope to see the sun once in a while.” – The Unofficial Guide to Not Drowning
Proverbs:
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
- “Better safe than sorry.”
- “In for a penny, in for a pound.”
Literary References:
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Where Mr. Bennet quips about the financial nuances of keeping his daughters from destitution.
- “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens – Pip’s struggle to make something of himself is the epitome of trying to stay afloat amidst life’s storms.
Song Suggestions:
- “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John – A perfect anthem for not letting life’s challenges get you down.
- “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child – Nothing says “keeping the head above water” like this no-nonsense declaration of resilience.
Suggested Reading:
- “Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money” – Because staying afloat often requires a good grasp of budgeting and financial planning.
- “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown – Overcome being overwhelmed by focusing on what truly matters.
Movie Recommendations:
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” – The ultimate tale of staying strong and keeping one’s head above water.
- “A Beautiful Mind” – While not directly about finances, it revolves around emotional and intellectual survival.
Iconic Farewell:
Life has its tides, and mastering the art of staying afloat is a lifelong pursuit. May you always find a sturdy ship and calm seas ahead. – S. O. Saviour
### Which idiom means the same as “keeping one's head above water”?
- [ ] Swimming like a fish in water
- [x] Treading water
- [ ] Sinking into the abyss
- [ ] Using a life raft
> **Explanation:** "Treading water" is a similar idiom meaning to just manage to stay afloat, much like keeping one's head above water.
### True or False: "Drowning in debt" is an antonym to "keeping one's head above water"
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Drowning in debt" implies being overwhelmed financially, the exact opposite of maintaining financial stability.
### Which phrase indicates financial stability?
- [x] Staying solvent
- [ ] Rocking the boat
- [ ] Casting off anchors
- [ ] Flying with fish
> **Explanation:** "Staying solvent" directly refers to maintaining financial stability, much like "keeping one's head above water."
### What literary work by Charles Dickens features a character trying to 'stay afloat' in life?
- [x] Great Expectations
- [ ] A Tale of Two Cities
- [ ] Oliver Twist
- [ ] Hard Times
> **Explanation:** "Great Expectations" is the correct answer, highlighting Pip's efforts to prosper despite numerous obstacles.
### Which song by Destiny’s Child relates to the idea of resilience and staying above challenges?
- [ ] Bills, Bills, Bills
- [ ] Say My Name
- [x] Survivor
- [ ] Bootylicious
> **Explanation:** "Survivor" by Destiny’s Child is a song that embodies the spirit of resilience and overcoming adversity, akin to keeping one's head above water.
