World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBetween-wind-and-water
/bɪˈtwiːn wɪnd ænd ˈwɔː.tər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Situated or struck on that part of a ship's hull that is between the water line and the wind, representing a vulnerable spot.
"The enemy cannonball hit the frigate right between-wind-and-water, causing severe flooding."
- 1
In a vulnerable, precarious, or critically exposed condition.
"The sudden economic downturn caught the company between-wind-and-water."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating from 17th-century nautical terminology, the phrase originally referred to that part of a ship's hull that is alternately above and below the waterline as the vessel rolls in the waves. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe a vulnerable, precarious, or critical position, especially when struck or affected in a vital part.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Between-wind-and-water"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Between-wind-and-water" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
vulnérable
Transliteration: vylneʁabl
"Le navire a été touché à un endroit très vulnérable."
verwundbar
Transliteration: fɛɐ̯ˈvʊntbaːɐ̯
"Das Schiff wurde an einer verwundbaren Stelle getroffen."
vulnerabile
Transliteration: vulneˈrabile
"La nave è stata colpita in un punto vulnerabile."
vulnerable
Transliteration: bulneˈɾable
"El barco fue golpeado en un punto muy vulnerable."
vulnerável
Transliteration: vulnɛˈɾavɛw
"O navio foi atingido em um ponto vulnerável."
असुरक्षित
Transliteration: asurakshit
Script: हिंदी देवनागरी
"जहाज को एक अत्यंत असुरक्षित स्थिति में झटका लगा।"
易受攻击的
Transliteration: yì shòu gōng jī de
Script: 中文汉字
"这艘船在最脆弱的部位被击中了。"
취약한
Transliteration: chwiyakhan
Script: 한국어 한글
"선박이 매우 취약한 부위에 타격을 입었습니다."
脆弱な
Transliteration: zeijaku na
Script: 日本語
"船は非常に脆弱な部分を攻撃された。"
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