the waterline
noun /ðə ˈwɔːtəlaɪn/
/ðə ˈwɔːtərlaɪn/
[singular]- the level that the water reaches along the side of a ship
- The ship was struck below the waterline by a single torpedo.
- (figurative) If the vote goes against her, the prime minister may well be holed below the waterline.