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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