above water

above water

1. In possession of an asset that has more value than the price it was purchased for or any related debts. Property values in our neighborhood have gone up so much that we're above water on our house.
2. Avoiding being consumed by a stressful or unpleasant situation (often related to work or finance). If credit cards are the only thing keeping you above water, then your situation is more dire than I thought.
See also: above, water
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

above water

1. Being or holding an asset that is worth more than its purchase price or the debt owed on it.
2. Making more than enough money to meet financial obligations.
See also: above, water
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • take back
  • take one back
  • foreclose
  • foreclose on
  • foreclose on (something)
  • seize out
  • about/on your person
  • fly off with
  • fly off with (someone or something)
  • money pit
References in periodicals archive
The second project will include building a 4km road above water and mangrove areas to connect the southern side of Umm Lafina Island with Shaikh Zayed Street.
Andrew Lewis took the attention of the swimmers next - starting with the gentle sound of a tide before incorporating sublime choral harmonics above water and catastrophic vacuum-like noise below.
Phillips, who was not present, added: "I'd like to say a big thank-you to Ruth Bailey, who kept his head above water, to Nicky Carlisle [the course inspector], who helped dig the bank out so they could get him out of the stream, and to the vets, the fire brigade and everyone else who played a part.
The company has started a restructuring to keep its head above water which will result in the loss of 860 jobs.
New York City is only a few feet above water, so the rising sea levels predicted by climate modelers should give the city and other parts of the northeastern U.S.
Tom Lawton of BDO Stoy Hayward said: "For many months now most manufacturers have seen a consistent fall in new orders and have been either reducing working hours or staffing to try and keep their heads above water. With order books continuing to diminish, the future looks as if it will bring little respite.
"'While others pull in their horns and just try to keep their heads above water, opportunities abound for a well-capitalized company with a seasoned management team.
A fascinating story of adventure about a man who ran away for his mid-life crisis, "One Inch Above Water" is surely worth reading.
A HERO climber yesterday kept her friend's head above water to stop him from drowning after he plunged 40 metres down a cliff into the sea in stormy conditions.
A lifeguard desperate to help his club keep its head above water is getting on his bike to raise funds.
Vote now!; and (3) Floating a Bond Issue Keeps Schools Above Water. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Alabama's Teacher of the Year.
A piece of ice that big could have towered as high above water as a four-story building.
"The dispatcher told Viktor to hold his dad's head above water until paramedics arrived at their home."
From early doors in the middle period Vipers found themselves in penalty trouble but kept their heads above water with a team that pulled together to take both points.
Sherman is an amiable great white shark who faces uncertain friendships, eats adversaries, and longingly eyes the appetizing 'hairless beach apes' above water. The cast of supporting characters are endearing and all familiar psychological figures, from a macho hermit crab to a turtle with a positive outlook on life.