high and dry
high and dry (idiom)
/haɪ ənd draɪ/
Meaning
- Used to describe situations where someone is left stranded or abandoned without assistance.
- In a helpless or abandoned position.
- Being out of reach of the current or tide or out of the water.
- In a very difficult situation without any help.
Example Sentences
- After the company declared bankruptcy, employees were high and dry without severance pay.
- The hikers were left high and dry when their guide abandoned them mid-expedition.
- Budget cuts left the community center high and dry, forcing it to close its doors.
- When the tide receded, the boat was stranded high and dry on the shore.
- The sudden cancellation of the project left contractors high and dry, scrambling for new work.
Origin and History
The phrase “high and dry” originally referred to ships that were beached or stranded above the waterline due to tidal changes. In this context, “high” indicated that the vessel was elevated above the normal water level, and “dry” signified that it was out of the water, often for an extended period, rendering it immobile until the tide returned. This left the ship’s crew in a vulnerable position, unable to navigate or move the vessel.
An early printed instance of this usage appears in The [London] Times from August 1796:
“The Russian frigate Archipelago, yesterday got aground below the Nore at high water, which; when the tide had ebbed, left her nearly high and dry.”
Evolution into Figurative Use
Over time, the literal maritime meaning of “high and dry” transitioned into a figurative expression. It began to describe individuals or groups left in difficult situations without support or resources, much like a ship stranded without water. This metaphorical usage emphasizes feelings of abandonment and helplessness.
Alternative Theories and Speculations
While the maritime origin is widely accepted, some alternative theories have been proposed, though they lack substantial evidence. One such theory suggests that the phrase could relate to laundry practices, where clothes left “high” on a line and “dry” might be forgotten or neglected. However, this explanation is less convincing and not supported by historical records.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The earliest known printed use of “high and dry” dates back to 1796, as mentioned in the Times article. This predates other documented instances and solidifies its maritime roots. Some sources also suggest earlier uses in the 18th century, with scattered references in seafaring communities, though detailed citations are scarce.
To further explore the timeline of its usage, a search in historical records and linguistic databases such as Google Ngram reveals its gradual rise in popularity through the 18th and 19th centuries.
Synonyms
- stranded; abandoned; helpless
- left in the lurch
- left out in the cold
- hang out to dry
Share your opinions