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To Be High and Dry (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "To Be High and Dry"?
To be left high and dry means to be vulnerable and without a means of defence. It is a nautical term which stems from a ship being left grounded on a low tide. With his ship in this condition, the captain was powerless to resolve his situation until the tide returned and re-floated his ship.
Examples of Use:
- My husband left me high and dry with credit-card debt and a mortgage.
- I had no key and no way of contacting you. I was left high and dry.
- We were left high and dry on the ridge. The enemy knew we were there, and there was no way down.
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