He was trying to 'drown his fears'. [=to get drunk so that he wouldn't be afraid]
I'm being 'drowned in' paperwork. [=I'm being overwhelmed by paperwork]
Noise from the passing airplane 'drowned out' our conversation.
(..) - Of course not. - No. - I wouldn't want that to happen. - What are you looking at, butthead? - Get a load of his life preserver. Dork thinks he's going to drown. BIFF: How about my homework, McFly? Okay, Biff. I'll finish that up tonight and then I'll bring it over first thing tomorrow morning. (..)1985 Back to the Future