Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dead-in-the-water

idiom

/ˌdɛd ɪn ði ˈwɔːtər/

Definition

In a state of inactivity or being unable to progress.

Examples

After the unexpected downturn in sales, the project was dead-in-the-water.
Without proper funding, the startup was dead-in-the-water before it could even launch.

Meaning

This phrase describes something or someone that is completely stuck or unable to move forward, often used in contexts where there is no hope for recovery or improvement.