sheet-anchor

The captain considered the experienced sailor his sheet-anchor in the storm.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Large secondary anchor: A "sheet-anchor" is a very large anchor carried in a ship's bow (or stern) for use in emergencies, such as when the main anchor is lost or the ship is in extreme danger.
   • Chief reliance or support: Figuratively, a "sheet-anchor" refers to a person or thing that serves as a primary source of security, stability, or refuge in times of crisis.

Usage Examples

• Literal (nautical):
  • The captain ordered the crew to deploy the sheet-anchor when the storm threatened to drive the ship onto the rocks. (The large emergency anchor was used to prevent the vessel from drifting.)
• Figurative:
  • Her unwavering faith was her sheet-anchor during the difficult years of illness. (Her faith was her primary source of support and stability.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a sheet-anchor": to serve as a final or most reliable resource.
  • In the chaotic startup, the experienced CEO became the sheet-anchor for the panicking investors. (The CEO was the person everyone relied upon for security.)

Variants and Related Words

• Anchor (n): a device used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom.
  • The ship's main anchor held firm in the harbor.
• Sheet (n): in nautical terms, a rope or chain attached to the lower corner of a sail; in "sheet-anchor," it historically referred to the anchor's position at the ship's "sheet" (side).

Synonyms

• Mainstay: a person or thing that provides primary support.
• Pillar: a fundamental or essential support.
• Bulwark: a defensive wall or protection; a source of security.

Related Idioms

• Sheet-anchor of hope: a fixed or ultimate source of hope.
  • Even in despair, the thought of rescue was their sheet-anchor of hope. (Their one remaining hope that kept them going.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (No common phrasal verbs derived from "sheet-anchor.")