take in water

• Phrase décrivant un navire (par exemple, un bateau ou un vaisseau) qui a une voie d'eau et laisse l'eau pénétrer dans la coque; souvent utilisée littéralement dans un contexte maritime ou de manière imagée pour désigner une situation ou une organisation qui échoue ou se trouve en détresse.

A phrase describing a vessel (such as a boat or ship) that is leaking and allowing water to enter its hull, often used literally in maritime contexts or figuratively to indicate a situation or organization that is failing or in trouble.

1. Leak or floodB2formal

   To allow water to enter a vessel, such as a boat or ship, often due to damage.

   embarquer de l'eau

   • The old boat began to take in water after hitting a rock.
   • The ship was taking in water through a crack in the hull.
   • They had to abandon the vessel because it was taking in water too fast.

2. Absorb liquidB1informal

   To absorb or soak up water, as a sponge or cloth does.

   absorber de l'eau

   • The sponge takes in water quickly.
   • The towel took in all the spilled water.
   • The plant's roots take in water from the soil.