To Be High and Dry (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

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.
Left High and Dry (Origin)

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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See Also

What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs