Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/three-sheets-to-the-wind/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [T](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/t/) / three sheets to the wind

# three sheets to the wind

phrase (idiom, adjective phrase, «three sheets to the wind», also «three sheets in the wind»)

«three sheets to the wind» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, old-fashioned) very drunk.

### In the lessons

From sailing: «sheets» are the ropes that control a sail; if they hang loose the ship rocks about like a drunk person. A humorous, old-fashioned way to say «drunk», found in stories, sea tales and jokes in all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- (story) By midnight the sailor was three sheets to the wind.
- (gossip) Uncle Bob was three sheets to the wind at the wedding.
- (comedy) He came home three sheets to the wind and sang to the cat.
- (history) Sheets are ropes on a sailing ship, not bed sheets.
- (chat) everyone at the party was three sheets to the wind except me
- (old film) "The captain's three sheets to the wind, sir!"

### Note

Trap: «sheets» are sail ropes, not bedding or paper. «Three» is not a number to count here. Means very drunk; it sounds jokey, which can make drunkenness seem harmless.