high-water mark

• Der höchste Stand oder Höhepunkt von etwas, z. B. der höchste Wasserstand oder metaphorisch der Gipfel einer Entwicklung, eines Erfolgs oder einer Leistung.

A term referring to the highest point or peak of something, such as a level of achievement, success, or a physical water level, often used metaphorically to indicate the pinnacle of a process or trend.

1. Peak or highest pointC1formal

   The highest point of achievement, success, or development in a particular field or period.

   Höhepunkt

   • The 1960s were the high-water mark of the space race.
   • Her novel is considered the high-water mark of 20th-century literature.
   • The company's profits reached a high-water mark last year.

2. Literal high tideB2formal

   The highest level reached by the sea or a river during a tide or flood.

   Hochwassermarke

   • The high-water mark was clearly visible on the cliff face.
   • Boats were stranded above the high-water mark after the storm.
   • The flood left debris at the high-water mark along the shore.