Is before becoming out of control , one step from becoming a habitual line crosser

"to tread water" is an idiom, that means doing something/being active without making any progress.

"to tread water" is an idiom, that means: To put a lot of time and effort into something, but not get much of a result, or get a better result that you might have been getting previously.

Drinking fruity lexia (cask wine, goon)

Telling somebody to go away. Also said to unimportant people in your life when they try to talk to you. Or how you feel when you feel that you can't move forward.

Treading in black waters means you are fighting or argueing with someone and you are JUST on the verge of telling them to fuck off. You can only use this term when you are about to end an arguement or a friendship/agreement. Should be used if you are completley ready to lose this persons trust and affection.

Advancing on a guy whom you have strong feelings for who may or may not have a current girlfriend.