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