【例句】He managed to keep himself above water.【误解】他设法使自己保持在水上面。

【正确】他设法使自己摆脱困境。

【说明】above water是个习惯说法，意思是“摆脱困境”、“摆脱麻烦”、“摆脱债务”等。

例如：With prices being what they are, it is difficult for a family to keep above water with one bread winner. 物价情况如此，一个家庭靠一个人挣钱难免要负债的。