between wind and water
between wind and water
Vulnerable. She's between wind and water, living in this terrible neighborhood. I hope she moves soon, for her own safety.
See also: and, between, water, wind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
between wind and water
at a vulnerable point.This is a nautical metaphor referring to the part of a ship's side near the waterline that is sometimes above the water and sometimes submerged; damage to the ship at this level is particularly dangerous. The phrase is first recorded in its literal sense at the time of the Spanish Armada ( 1588 ): ‘One of the shot was betweene the winde and the water, whereof they thought she would haue sonke’. By the mid 17th century, it was also being used of people.
1967 Michael Gilbert The Dust and the Heat Mallinson must have guessed what was coming. Nevertheless, it hit him between wind and water.
See also: and, between, water, wind
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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