Keep your head above water.
[Idiom] KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER. - Learn About Phrases for Overcoming Challenges
Manage despite difficulty.
'Keep your head above water' is a vivid expression derived from the imagery of struggling to stay afloat in deep water. It metaphorically describes the act of just managing to cope with one's difficulties, particularly financial or workload challenges, where failing to do so might result in metaphorical drowning.
Example Sentences
Even during tough economic times, we managed to keep our head above water.
Even during tough economic times, we managed to survive financially.
By working odd jobs, she kept her head above water financially.
By working odd jobs, she was able to stay financially stable.
Despite the challenges, he found ways to keep his head above water with clever budgeting.
Despite the challenges, he found ways to manage his finances with clever budgeting.