ENGLISH
REFERENCE

four sheets to the wind

idiom
Meaning

Extremely drunk.


Origin

disputed origin

By analogy with three sheets to the wind.

Examples
SIMPLE

He was four sheets to the wind after the party.

CONTEXTUAL

After drinking too much at the wedding, he was four sheets to the wind and could barely walk.

COMPLEX

By the time the final toast was made, the host was already four sheets to the wind and began telling embarrassing stories to the guests.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  2. 02

    break wind

    To expel gases generated during digestion, especially through the anus; to fart.

  3. 03

    candle in the wind

    A fragile or vulnerable thing, likely to be put in jeopardy.

  4. 04

    finger to the wind

    An attention to or focus on or awareness of current or prevailing trends, public opinion, or shifting circumstances.

  5. 05

    four score and seven years ago

    Used (sometimes sarcastically) to indicate that a past event being mentioned is particularly important: a long time ago; many years ago.

  6. 06

    get the wind up

    To become frightened or disturbed.

  7. 07

    get wind

    To be divulged; to become public.

  8. 08

    get wind in one's jaws

    To have too much to say; talk too much; run at the mouth; to speak one's mind or voice one's opinion about a matter; blabber

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