on (one's) beam-ends



on (one's) beam-ends

In a precarious and/or desperate situation. The phrase was originally used to describe the tilted position of a ship before it capsizes. My sister's on her beam-ends now that she's lost her job—I might have to lend her some money so she doesn't lose her house. Tell me the truth, doc—am I on my beam-ends, or do I still have treatment options available?
See also: on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Mikhal-Biblical Hebrew
LouLOO (English)English, French
Persefoni-Greek
Amyntas-Ancient Greek
Sasha-Russian, Ukrainian, English, French
Gratien-French