(1) When it comes to keeping the family farm afloat in what have been very difficult times in the agricultural industry, many assume it is the farmer who is earning all the money.

(2) Analysts believe the larger insurers will have sufficient assets to withstand further falls, but some of the smaller companies may find staying afloat increasingly difficult.

(3) In the five years since the financial crisis struck, the country is still struggling to stay afloat as debt payment remains the biggest drag on its economy.

(4) This is deeply insulting to our members, skilled and dedicated professionals who have worked above and beyond the call of duty to keep services afloat through difficult times.

(5) They groom them constantly, keeping the pups' fur in such good condition that it keeps the pup afloat and unable to sink.

(6) The water strider's hairy legs work to keep it afloat .

(7) There are rumours afloat that a major musical act will be playing this time next year.

(8) As the badly injured seaman struggled to stay afloat in the freezing water - he was not wearing a lifejacket - crewmen from his ship threw lifebuoys.

(9) It's only the willingness of the foreign central banks to buy our debt that keeps us afloat .

(10) He was wearing a padded coat and I think that was giving him some buoyancy and keeping him afloat .

(11) Certainly, the weakening contract prices are a blow to the company as it struggles to stay afloat under the weight of massive debt.

(12) Since then, the business has generated sufficient sales and garnered enough grants for basic research to stay afloat without going into debt.

(13) A chance to go afloat on a working scientific research vessel to learn how the oceans work is on offer this half-term.

(14) The revenue sent back by family members working abroad has kept the economy afloat during the recent, difficult war years.

(15) When the ship began to sink, the franchisor left its charge afloat in turbulent waters, without a life jacket.

(16) It is widely recognised that the money sent home by these exiles kept the country afloat during that difficult time.

(17) One cannot really blame them because even the best talent in women's athletics have found it difficult to stay afloat in the international arena.

(18) The exhibition included a remarkable group commissioned by the clergy which kept the firm afloat in the difficult period after the revolution of 1848.

(19) Water-lilies have large numbers of air pockets in their tissues which keep their leaves afloat on the water surface, a perfect supply of air for an insect able to get to it.

(20) His optimism has kept the team afloat , but it will be difficult to recover fully from failing to finish three of the first five races.