PhrasesHub

lose their bearings

    Definitions

      • become confused or disoriented
        To describe someone who is unable to determine their position or direction, either physically or metaphorically

      • lose their sense of purpose or direction
        To describe someone who is no longer clear about their goals or objectives, feeling lost or uncertain about their next steps

    Examples of lose their bearings

    • The hiker became disoriented during the storm and completely lost their bearings.

      In this example, the hiker has lost their sense of direction and is unable to determine which way is north, south, east, or west due to unfavorable weather conditions.

    • After quitting her job, Sarah felt like she was completely adrift and had lost her bearings in life.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a person who has lost their sense of purpose or direction in their personal or professional life, often after experiencing a major change or upheaval.

    • The soldiers were disoriented and lost their bearings after the enemy launched a surprise attack.

      In this example, a group of soldiers is caught off guard by an attack from their enemies, causing them to become confused and lose their sense of direction on the battlefield.

    • The airplane's navigational equipment malfunctioned, causing the pilot to lose their bearings and become lost at sea.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be applied to a different context, such as a malfunction in technology causing a loss of direction or sense of location.

    • The explorers suddenly found themselves lost in the dense jungle, unable to navigate their way out. They had clearly lost their bearings.

      The idiom "lose their bearings" refers to the situation when a person or group of people loses their sense of direction or becomes disoriented in a particular place. In this example, the explorers were so confused and disoriented in the jungle that they couldn't figure out which direction to go in, and as a result, they had lost their way.

    • The new employee struggled to adapt to her job and the company's culture, feeling unsure of her place within the organization. She was still finding her bearings.

      "Finding their bearings" can be used to describe the process of a person adjusting to a new situation and figuring out their role within it. In this example, the new employee was still in the process of getting used to her job and the company's culture, and she had not yet fully settled into her new position. By saying that she was still finding her bearings, we can infer that she was still feeling a bit disoriented and unsure of herself in this new environment.

    • The sailor's compass malfunctioned during the storm, leaving him completely disoriented on the open sea. He had lost his bearings and was now at the mercy of the wind and waves.

      In this example, the sailor's loss of bearings was caused by a specific event - his compass malfunctioning during a storm. This idiom can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes disoriented due to external factors, such as unexpected events or changes in their surroundings.

    • The traveler found herself overwhelmed by the bustling city and its endless maze of streets and buildings. She had lost her bearings and didn't know where to turn.

      This final example shows how "lose their bearings" can also be used to describe a situation where someone becomes disoriented in a highly unfamiliar environment. In this case, the traveler was not accustomed to the city's layout and felt completely lost and unsure of herself in this new place.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "lose their bearings" can be used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations where someone becomes confused or disoriented. Whether it's getting lost in a new city or feeling unsure about their life goals, this idiom captures the idea of being directionless and uncertain.

    Origin of "lose their bearings"

    The origin of the idiom "lose their bearings" can be traced back to nautical terminology. In the past, sailors relied on a compass and bearings to navigate the seas. If a sailor were to "lose their bearings," it meant that they had become disoriented and were unable to determine their position or direction. Over time, this nautical expression evolved to be used in a more general sense, describing anyone who has lost their sense of direction or purpose. Today, the idiom is commonly used in everyday language to convey a sense of confusion or disorientation. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.