high waters

American  

plural noun

Slang.

1. trousers short enough to expose the ankles, especially as worn by growing children whom they earlier fit.

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Etymology

Origin of high waters

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

California’s high waters are now receding, but the opportunity to capture runoff will likely continue through the spring as a hefty mountain snowpack melts.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 22, 2023

However, the Mose, a system of 78 flood gates rising from the Venetian lagoon floor, was activated in advance overnight, shielding the city from the high waters seen at sea.

From Reuters • Nov. 22, 2022

The sheriff’s office in Volusia County said it was looking into whether it needed to acquire more vehicles capable of traveling in high waters.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2022

The Brahmaputra River flows from India into northern Bangladesh on its way to the Bay of Bengal, and Bangladesh’s Flood Forecast and Warning Center warned Tuesday of dangerously high waters for the next five days.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2022

The high waters along the shoreline had caused some of the animals to migrate inland, deep into the Amazonian rain forest.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple