in irons
The phrase "in irons" has nautical origins but also historically referred to imprisonment.
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Definition
C1Sailing
(technical)A situation where a sailboat is pointed directly into the wind, causing it to lose momentum and become stuck.
Example
- The sailboat was in irons and couldn't move until the crew adjusted the sails.
B2Historical
(formal)Being shackled or restrained with metal chains, typically as a form of punishment.
Example
- The prisoner was kept in irons as a deterrent to others.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in irons":
fire ironin hocklocked upon the hooktied upcramp ironon the ropesiron outbound uptied in knotson the railsbarking ironin harness