English Reference
Idiom idiom

four sheets to the wind


Extremely drunk.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


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.


By analogy with three sheets to the wind.


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

    cheat sheet

    Any summary or quick reference used as a shortcut or reminder, such as an aid for public speaking.

  5. 05

    dope sheet

    A summary, ordinarily in the form of a document, containing important facts and background information concerning a person, activity, or other subject matter.

  6. 06

    fast sheet

    A hotel or similar establishment catering to prostitutes.

  7. 07

    finger to the wind

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

  8. 08

    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.

Last updated August 10, 2026