To cause something to float (on water or in the air); to set afloat (transitive).
子どもたちは葉っぱを池に浮かして競争させた。
The children set leaves afloat on the pond and made them race.
暖炉の熱で紙がふわりと浮かした。
The paper floated gently from the heat of the stove.
小舟を水面に浮かして港まで運んだ。
They floated the small boat on the water and transported it to the harbor.
To save money; to cut expenses in order to free up funds or economize.
旅行代を浮かすために、昼食は弁当にした。
To save for the trip, I packed lunches.
光熱費を浮かす工夫をして、毎月の支出を減らした。
By finding ways to reduce utilities, I cut monthly expenses.
中古品を買って家具代を浮かした。
I bought used items to save on furniture costs.
To half-rise (e.g., to lift oneself partly to one's feet); to raise slightly (of the body).
彼は驚いて椅子から腰を浮かした。
Startled, he half-raised himself from the chair.
荷物が重かったので、腰を浮かして持ち上げた。
The luggage was heavy, so I slightly lifted my hips to raise it.