Idioms

at sea | all at sea

This page is about the idiom at sea | all at sea

Meaning

If you're at sea, or all at sea, you're confused about something and not sure what to do.

For example

  • I'm all at sea with our new spreadsheet software. I just can't understand it.

  • For the first few days in her new job, Gail felt totally at sea. She didn't know what to do or who to ask for help.

Note:
The idiom "all at sea" is used more in British and Australian English, though "at sea" is also sometimes used by speakers of British and Australian English, as well as by speakers of American English.

Quick Quiz

Grant felt all at sea because

a. he was sick of his job

b. he was enjoying sailing

c. it was his first day at university
a) he was sick of his job b) he was enjoying sailing c) it was his first day at university

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey