take on water
Vessel fills, sinks
To take on water is to let water in where it shouldn't be—typically said of boats and ships developing leaks: The hull was breached and the vessel began taking on water.
Figuratively, any venture that's failing or losing momentum takes on water: The campaign has been taking on water since the scandal broke.
- submergePlunge beneath liquid
- sinkBasin with drain
- leakEscape through a breach
- bilgeShip's water-collecting depths
- bailing outEmergency departure or rescue
plug the leak · absorb · shipwreck · soak · drench · inundation · buoyancy · ballast · scupper · mayday call · abandon ship · foundering · listing · deluge · rough seas · hull breach · flood · capsizing
figurative decline (metaphorical use)
take on waterstay afloat
thrive · flourish · gain momentum · hold steady · pick up steam
take, water, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, uptake, intake