Tread water - little action?

[richard ramirez]

Test No. express/advan-9 "Water Expressions", question 7

We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to tread water for a while.

(a) take sudden steps
(b) take quick decisions
(c) take little action
(d) take firm action

Test No. express/advan-9 "Water Expressions", answer 7

We think in the present circumstances the best policy is to take little action for a while.

Correct answer: (c) take little action
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what is this exactly?

[Alan]

This expression means not to do anything dramatic but to see what happens and so 'little action' is needed here.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple