at sea

1. Aboard a ship, on the ocean, as in Within a few hours the ship would be out at sea . During World War II a famous American newscaster addressed his radio broadcasts to listeners everywhere, including “all the ships at sea.” [1300s]

2. Also, all at sea . Perplexed, bewildered, as in She was all at sea in these new surroundings . This idiom transfers the condition of a vessel that has lost its bearings to the human mind. Charles Dickens used it in Little Dorrit (1855): “Mrs. Tickit ... was so plainly at sea on this part of the case.” [Second half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

After 36 days at sea, everyone is keen to let their hair down.

From BBC

Scientists believe countless more animals died at sea before the outbreak abated in May.

From Los Angeles Times

Later in his career, that notion held true for his performance as Our Man, a tormented sailor adrift at sea in “All is Lost.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some six hours later, she would be reported missing, feared lost at sea.

From BBC

One increasingly popular method involves dropping drugs from large ships to smaller vessels to collect at sea.

From BBC

Related Words

• baffled 
• befuddled 
• bewildered 
• dazed 
• disorganized 
• distracted 
• muddled 
• perplexed 
• perturbed 
• puzzled www.thesaurus.com