sheet anchor

noun

1. Nautical. a large anchor used only in cases of emergency.
2. a final reliance or resource, as when in danger.

sheet anchor

noun

1. nautical a large strong anchor for use in emergency
2. a person or thing to be relied upon in an emergency

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheet anchor¹

First recorded in 1485–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheet anchor¹

C17: from earlier shute anker, from shoot (obsolete) the sheet of a sail

Example Sentences

We have trusted to it as to the sheet-anchor of our safety, in the stormy times of conflict with a foreign or domestic foe.

From Project Gutenberg

The Germans regarded him and his humane doctrine as their sheet-anchor of safety.

From Project Gutenberg

But a considerable number of the latter had served for years on board of men-of-war, and a few were sheet-anchor men.

From Project Gutenberg

But in "all the changes and chances of this mortal life" this household had a sure sheet anchor on which to depend.

From Project Gutenberg

To this famous theory, which became the sheet-anchor of the empirical school, Stewart is not altogether opposed.

From Project Gutenberg