sea (redirected from putting to sea)

*one's sea legs

Fig. one's ability to tolerate the movement of a ship at sea. (*Typically: get ~; have ~.) Jean was a little awkward on the cruise at first, but in a few days she got her sea legs and was fine. You may feel a little sick until you get your sea legs.

See also: leg

(all) at sea (about something)

Fig. to be confused; to be lost and bewildered. (Alludes to being lost at sea.) When it comes to higher math, John is totally at sea.

at sea 

1. Lit. on the sea; away on a voyage on the ocean. The ship is at sea now, and you can't disembark. I spent many happy days at sea on my cruise.

2. Fig. confused; at a loss. Bill was at sea over the calculus problem. Reading economic theory leaves me feeling at sea.

at sea level

at the level of the surface of the ocean. It is easier to breathe at sea level than in the mountains. Boats on the ocean are at sea level, but those on rivers are not.

See also: level

between a rock and a hard place and between the devil and the deep blue sea

Fig. in a very difficult position; facing a hard decision. I couldn't make up my mind. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. He had a dilemma on his hands. He was clearly between the devil and the deep blue sea.

See also: and, hard, place, rock

from sea to shining sea

Fig. from coast to coast. (Taken from the lyrics of the song "America the Beautiful".) The new insect pest spread from sea to shining sea in a matter of months.

See also: shine

go to sea

to become a sailor. I went to sea at an early age. When I get older, I'm going to go to sea too.

He that would go to sea for pleasure, would go to hell for a pastime.

Prov. Being a sailor is so unpleasant that anyone who would do it for fun must be crazy. Old Sailor: Why did you decide to go to sea? Young Sailor: I thought it would be fun. Old Sailor: He that would go to sea for pleasure, would go to hell for a pastime.

See also: hell

sea change

Fig. a major change or transformation. This is not the time for a sea change in our manufacturing division. There are too many orders at the moment.

See also: change

son of a sea biscuit

Euph. a person, usually a male. (sometimes a substitute for son of a bitch.) Why, good to see you, you old son of a sea biscuit. You son of a sea biscuit! You make me so mad I could slug you.

See also: biscuit, son

There are plenty of (other) fish in the sea.

Fig. There are other choices. (Used to refer to persons.) When John broke up with Ann, I told her not to worry. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. It's too bad that your secretary quit, but there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

See also: fish, plenty

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your sea legs

the ability to keep your balance when walking on a moving ship and not feel ill It took me a while to get my sea legs, but I feel fine now.

See also: leg

a sea change  (literary)

a complete change (often + in ) The huge increase in the number of people working freelance represents a sea change in patterns of employment over the last 10 years.

See also: change

be at sea  (British, American & Australian) also be all at sea (British & Australian)

if someone is at sea, they are completely confused I'm all at sea with this computer manual.

between a rock and a hard place

if you are between a rock and a hard place, you have to make a difficult decision between two things that are equally unpleasant I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. If I go with Isobel, it'll be much more expensive and if I go with Julie, Isobel probably won't speak to me again.

See also: and, hard, place, rock

between the devil and the deep blue sea

if you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you must choose between two equally unpleasant situations For most people a visit to the dentist is the result of a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea - if you go you suffer, and if you don't go you suffer.

See also: and, blue, deep, devil

there are plenty more fish in the sea

used to say that there are many other people or possibilities, especially when one person or thing has been unsuitable or unsuccessful Don't cry over Pierre - there are plenty more fish in the sea.

See drink like a fish

See also: fish, more, plenty

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at sea

confused With no data they could depend on, they were utterly at sea.

between a rock and a hard place

having only two very unpleasant choices between the devil and the deep blue sea Schools for problem kids are between a rock and a hard place - they can be sued if children run away and get hurt, but have no power to keep the door locked.

See also: and, hard, place, rock

between the devil and the deep blue sea

having only two very unpleasant choices between a rock and a hard place Our country is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea - our leaders cause great suffering, but an invasion aimed at overthrowing them would bring many other problems.

See also: and, blue, deep, devil

get your sea legs

to get used to a new situation After graduating from college he went to Chicago to get his sea legs by working in radio.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of getting used to being on a moving ship

See also: get, leg