in the tank

phrase

variants or into the tank
: in or into a decline or slump
the sullen student's grades went into the tank

Examples of in the tank in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Look at how the top line (his 50-game rolling zone swing percentage) has just been in the tank this season. — Eno Sarris, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The fire department also didn't release how long the victim was trapped in the tank. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Then, the pressure is released so that DME turns back into a gas, leaving the water in the tank. — Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026 And Ghia's Blood Orange Le Spritz showed us that the nonalcoholic space still has plenty of innovation left in the tank. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the tank

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the tank was in 1974

Rhymes for in the tank

See All Rhymes for in the tank

Browse Nearby Words

in the sun
in the tank
in the teeth of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the tank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20tank. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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