🛟 stay afloat
Concrete Meaning
To have just enough money or resources to survive and not fail or go bankrupt.
💬 Context & Examples
Used frequently in business and personal finance to describe surviving a difficult financial period without "sinking."
- "During the economic recession, the small company barely managed to stay afloat."
- "With rent increasing, she has to work two jobs just to stay afloat right now."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
What is the literal physical action that happens if a heavy boat fails to "stay afloat"?
Show Answer
It sinks to the bottom of the water.