between wind and water
The phrase "between wind and water" originates from nautical terminology but has broader figurative applications indicating vulnerability or precarious situations.
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Definition
C2Nautical
(technical)The part of a ship's side or bottom that is frequently exposed above water due to the ship's rolling motion.
Example
- The damage was found between wind and water, where the ship's hull was most vulnerable.
C1General
(colloquial, figurative)In a vulnerable or precarious position, susceptible to harm or difficulty.
Example
- The company was caught between wind and water during the economic downturn.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "between wind and water":
in the windwind energywind powerbroken winddown the windfollow the windblow water