beam-ends

[ beem-endz ]

plural noun

1. Nautical. the ends of the transverse deck beams of a vessel.

beam-ends

plural noun

1. the ends of a vessel's beams
2. on her beam-ends
   on her beam-ends (of a vessel) heeled over through an angle of 90°
3. on one's beam-ends
   on one's beam-ends
   1. out of resources; destitute
   2. desperate

Word History and Origins

Origin of beam-ends¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on her beam-ends, Nautical. heeled so far on one side that the deck is practically vertical:

   The schooner was blown over on her beam-ends.

2. on one's / the beam-ends, Slang. in desperate straits, especially financial straits. Also on the beam's ends.

Example Sentences

The young men relapsed into silence, for at that moment another fierce gust of wind threw the ship over almost on her beam-ends.

From Project Gutenberg

The old hulk looked peculiarly pathetic as she lay there, listed over on her beam ends.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not long before the tide slipped away from us and left the steamer resting easily on her beam-ends in shallow water.

From Project Gutenberg

Over it passed, and the schooner in an instant lay on her beam-ends, the water rushing in at each hatchway.

From Project Gutenberg

Take your own pony, an' your own saddle, an' it's a go; but this 'ere mare'd be on her beam ends with you in no time.

From Project Gutenberg