beam-ends

[ beem-endz ]

plural noun

1. Nautical. the ends of the transverse deck beams of a vessel.

beam-ends

plural noun

1. the ends of a vessel's beams
2. on her beam-ends
   (of a vessel) heeled over through an angle of 90°
3. on one's beam-ends
   1. out of resources; destitute
   2. desperate

Word History and Origins

Origin of beam-ends¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on her beam-ends, Nautical. heeled so far on one side that the deck is practically vertical:

   The schooner was blown over on her beam-ends.

2. on one's / the beam-ends, Slang. in desperate straits, especially financial straits. Also on the beam's ends.

Example Sentences

Everything was reeling about him; the yacht stood nearly upon her beam-ends as she climbed on the waves.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly, in the midst of one of the gayest songs, a squall struck the vessel, and as she was carrying all sail, put her nearly on her beam-ends.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Dart was already lying on her beam-ends, heaving, groaning and quivering throughout every timber, in the fierce embrace of the tremendous blast!

From Project Gutenberg

I was on my beam-ends, without a dollar in my pocket, when he held out his hand to me.

From Project Gutenberg

Ships at anchor under high land are sometimes suddenly thrown over on their beam-ends, and the next moment recover their equilibrium, as if nothing had occurred.

From Project Gutenberg