on one's beam-ends
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beam-ends — /ˈbim ɛndz/ (say beem endz) plural noun 1. Nautical the ends of a ship s beams. –phrase 2. on its beam ends, Nautical (of a ship) so far inclined on one side that the deck beams are practically vertical. 3. on one s beam ends, in acute distress… …
beam-ends — beam′ ends n. pl. navig. the ends of the transverse deck beams of a ship • on her beam ends on one s or the beam ends Etymology: 1765–75 … From formal English to slang
beam-ends — /beem endz /, n.pl. 1. Naut. the ends of the transverse deck beams of a vessel. 2. on her beam ends, Naut. heeled so far on one side that the deck is practically vertical: The schooner was blown over on her beam ends. 3. on one s or the beam ends … Universalium
To be on her beam ends — Beam Beam (b[=e]m), n. [AS. be[ a]m beam, post, tree, ray of light; akin to OFries. b[=a]m tree, OS. b[=o]m, D. boom, OHG. boum, poum, G. baum, Icel. ba[eth]mr, Goth. bagms and Gr. fy^ma a growth, fy^nai to become, to be. Cf. L. radius staff, rod … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
on her beam-ends — phrasal : inclined so much on one side that beams approach a vertical position with danger of capsizing * * * on her beam ends Of a ship, so much inclined to one side that the beams become nearly vertical • • • Main Entry: ↑beam * * * on her (or… … Useful english dictionary
on one's or the beam-ends — idi+sts on one s or the beam ends, Slang. in desperate straits … From formal English to slang
on her beam-ends — idi navig. on her beam ends, (of a ship) heeled so far on one side that the deck is practically vertical … From formal English to slang
beam — n. & v. n. 1 a long sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or room, usu. to support the structure above. 2 a a ray or shaft of light. b a directional flow of particles or radiation. 3 a bright look or smile. 4 a a series of… … Useful english dictionary
beam-ends, on one's — Worn out. In difficulty. Short of money … A concise dictionary of English slang
Beam — (b[=e]m), n. [AS. be[ a]m beam, post, tree, ray of light; akin to OFries. b[=a]m tree, OS. b[=o]m, D. boom, OHG. boum, poum, G. baum, Icel. ba[eth]mr, Goth. bagms and Gr. fy^ma a growth, fy^nai to become, to be. Cf. L. radius staff, rod, spoke of … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
