Literally:
* Being submerged: This is the most literal meaning, referring to a situation where someone's head is physically underwater.
* Struggling to stay afloat: This is often used in a metaphorical sense, referring to someone who is facing a difficult situation and is struggling to keep their head above water.
Figuratively:
* In debt: This is a common figurative meaning, implying that someone is struggling financially and has accumulated a lot of debt.
* Overwhelmed: This meaning refers to someone who is facing too much work, stress, or responsibility and feels like they are drowning in it.
* In a difficult situation: This is a more general meaning that refers to someone who is facing a challenging situation and feels overwhelmed by it.
Example sentences:
* Literal: "The diver's head went under water as they searched for the lost treasure."
* Figurative: "After losing his job, John felt like his head was under water."
* Figurative: "The company is struggling to stay afloat, they are really head under water."
It's important to consider the context of the phrase to understand its intended meaning.