The result is a poisonous mix that means Zynga has to hemorrhage money just to tread water.

FORBES: Zynga Losing $150 On Every Customer, says Analyst

Not all emerging markets are struggling to tread water this year.

FORBES: With Oil & Gas Galore, Why Is Russia So Cheap?

Last term, the court seemed to tread water in most of its rulings, giving only occasional hints that a conservative revolution was waiting to take off.

NPR: A Newly Conservative Supreme Court?

The more pertinent question for that year is whether fiscal consolidation will continue, or whether the prime minister will prefer to tread water and so concentrate on other priorities.

ECONOMIST: Budget turnaround | The

With the two coxes both vying for the same quick water, they have to tread a careful path between giving their crews the fastest conditions, and also the clearest run - which can sometimes have calamitous results.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Boat Race 2003 | Little things count