tread water
原地踏步，付出努力但没有实质进展
口语·形容停滞不前
英文释义
to make no progress or to stay in the same position; to remain busy in order to avoid dealing with a problem
例句
I've been treading water at work for months, no promotions or new projects.
典故来源
源自游泳动作，踩水时身体保持原位不前进，比喻付出努力却无进展。