PhrasesHub

On your beam ends

    Definitions

      • in a difficult situation
        Describing someone or something that is in a desperate or dire situation, often financially or emotionally

      • completely exhausted or depleted
        Referring to someone or something that is completely worn out or drained of energy or resources

    Examples of On your beam ends

    • The sailor was completely disoriented and unsure of his direction in the middle of the ocean. He couldn't tell which way was up, and the waves were tossing him around like a rag doll. In this state, he could be described as being "on his beam ends."

      The phrase "being on your beam ends" is used to describe someone who is completely disoriented and unsure of their surroundings. This idiom comes from the nautical world, where the beams of a ship are the horizontal structural members that support the deck. When a ship is leaning heavily to one side, the beams end up pointing downwards, and the crew can feel completely disoriented and out of place. This state of affairs is described as being "on your beam ends." It's a colorful and evocative phrase that captures the sense of confusion and disorientation that can arise in situations of extreme stress and uncertainty.

    • The hiker had been climbing for hours, but as she rounded a bend in the trail, she suddenly found herself face-to-face with a sheer cliff face. She had no idea how she was going to get down, and her heart was racing. In this state, she could be said to be "on her beam ends."

      The phrase "on your beam ends" can also be used to describe someone who is in a situation that is overwhelmingly difficult or daunting. In this case, the hiker is faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, and she feels completely unsure of how to proceed. This state is described as being "on your beam ends," because the figure of speech is so vivid and visual: it conjures up an image of being completely turned around and disoriented, with no clear path forward.

    • The investor had been riding the upswing of the stock market for months, but suddenly the market took a nosedive, and he found himself watching in horror as his hard-earned investments plummeted in value. In this state, he could be said to be "on his beam ends."

      The phrase "on your beam ends" can also be used to describe someone who is suffering a significant setback or disappointment. In this case, the investor had been feeling invincible, but the sudden and unexpected downturn in the market has left him feeling completely disoriented and unsure of his footing. This state of affairs is described as being "on your beam ends," because the figure of speech is so powerful and evocative: it conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed and out of place.

    • The sailor struggled to keep the boat steady in the rough waters. Suddenly, a massive wave crashed against the side of the boat, knocking it completely off balance. The boat listed dangerously to one side, and the sailor felt as though he was on his beam ends. As the water continued to surge relentlessly against the vessel, the sailor wrestled to regain control, unsure if he would be able to salvage the situation.

      "On your beam ends" is a nautical idiom that refers to a ship being dangerously close to capsizing. It comes from the beams, which are the rigid frames that run along the sides of a ship's hull, and ends, which are the parts of the beams that extend beyond the hull. When a ship is on its beam ends, it means that one side is much lower than the other, making it highly unstable and precariously close to tipping over. This idiom is used figuratively to describe any situation in which a person or thing is in a precarious or unstable position, and may be at risk of falling or failing.

    • The small boat suddenly capsized and the crew found themselves on their beam ends as they frantically strove to right the vessel.

      In this example, the boat has turned so far on its side that the crew is now hanging perpendicular to the boat's beam (the horizontal width between the two outer edges of the hull). They are in a precarious and potentially dangerous position because the capsized boat is difficult to control and may continue to rotate, causing further damage.

    • After the company reported another disappointing quarter, its stock price plummeted and the investors were left reeling on their beam ends.

      Here, the phrase "on their beam ends" is used metaphorically to indicate that the investors have been badly shaken by the bad news and are experiencing negative consequences as a result. This expression is particularly appropriate in financial contexts, where a company or stock price in distress is said to be "listing" or "leaning" to one side, just as a boat might be before capsizing.

    • During the fierce battle, the soldiers found themselves on their beam ends as they struggled to fend off the enemy's relentless assault.

      In this military scenario, "on their beam ends" can be interpreted as meaning that the soldiers are in danger of being overrun by the enemy, with their flanks (or sides) exposed and vulnerable to attack. In this situation, they must rely on their wits, training, and weapons to fight for their survival.

    • The musician was completely off-key, causing the entire band to lose their footing and end up on their beam ends in the middle of the performance.

      This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation in which the musical ensemble has become disorganized and disoriented, typically due to a mistake or miscommunication by one or more members. In this instance, the phrase "on their beam ends" conveys the idea of the musicians being thrown off balance by the error and scrambling to regain their bearings amidst the chaos.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on your beam ends" is used to depict a situation of extreme difficulty or exhaustion. It can refer to being in a desperate financial or emotional state, or to being completely depleted of energy or resources.

    This idiom is often used to express sympathy or understanding for someone who is going through a tough time, or to describe a situation that is truly dire. It can also be used in a more lighthearted manner to convey a sense of being completely worn out or spent. In any case, it is a vivid and expressive way to communicate the idea of being in a tough spot or feeling utterly exhausted.

    Origin of "On your beam ends"

    The origin of the idiom "on your beam ends" is nautical. In sailing ships, the "beam ends" refer to the extremities of the ship where the beams supporting the deck are located. When a ship is heeled over to its "beam ends," it is in a precarious and vulnerable position, often in danger of capsizing. Over time, this nautical term came to be used figuratively to describe any situation that is on the verge of collapse or failure. The idiom has since been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of being in a dire situation or being completely exhausted. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday speech, demonstrating its enduring relevance and vivid imagery.