1
general::
Phrase(s): get one’s head above water [and] have one’s head above water
1. Lit. to get one’s head above the surface of the water while swimming. (See also keep one’s head above water.) • He finally got his head above water and was able to get a good breath. 2. Fig. to manage to get oneself caught up with one’s work or responsibilities. • I can’t seem to get my head above water. Work just keeps piling up. • I’ll be glad when I have my head above water.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs