at sea

Idioms  

1. Aboard a ship, on the ocean, as in Within a few hours the ship would be out at sea . During World War II a famous American newscaster addressed his radio broadcasts to listeners everywhere, including “all the ships at sea.” [1300s]

2. Also, all at sea . Perplexed, bewildered, as in She was all at sea in these new surroundings . This idiom transfers the condition of a vessel that has lost its bearings to the human mind. Charles Dickens used it in Little Dorrit (1855): “Mrs. Tickit ... was so plainly at sea on this part of the case.” [Second half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Many veteran American sailors no longer want to spend months at sea, where until recently they had been largely cut off from communications—though the advent of satellite-internet is changing that.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

From BBC

Fincantieri originally planned to build an American version of a proven model already at sea when it won the contract.

From The Wall Street Journal

The blaze was still smoldering Monday as the Coast Guard continued fire suppression efforts at sea, according to Joint Information Center manager Steven Groner.

From Los Angeles Times

Athens beat Sparta at sea, Sparta ravaged Athenian land; then each was forced to fight on the other’s turf.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• baffled
• befuddled
• bewildered
• dazed
• disorganized
• distracted
• muddled
• perplexed
• perturbed
• puzzled