What does idiom mean: "keep your head above the water"?

[JustaMinorThing]

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #12 "Just keep it", question 1

Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's keeping his head above water.

(a) not drowning
(b) keeping dry
(c) managing to survive
(d) trying to swim

English Idioms and Expressions, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #12 "Just keep it", answer 1

Charlie's having a lot of problems with his business but at least he's managing to survive.

Correct answer: (c) managing to survive
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What does idiom mean: "keep your head above the water"?

JustaMinorThing

[Alan]

Hi,

'Keeping his head above water' gives the idea that he not going under and drowning but in this story it suggests that he is just able to make enough money to live on. In other words he is not losing money and failing.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a flat hunter