Entry 1
A sea change
Meaning A radical change.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- When Obama came in after George Bush there was a real sea change in US foreign policy.
Pronunciation
Idioms · 3 entries
Nautical
What does "Nautical" mean?
A radical change.
A sea change
Shakespearian. An allusion to a change in the tides or weather when at sea.
All at sea
Britain, late 19th century.
Flotsam and jetsam
Britain - 19th century. Derives from ‘things that float’ and ‘things that have been jettisoned’.
Entry 2
All at sea
Meaning In a confused, disordered state.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- He dropped his notes just before the interview and panicked. You could say he was all at sea.
Pronunciation
Entry 3
Flotsam and jetsam
Meaning Assorted bits and pieces of rubbish; especially items that are found in the sea.
Usage Mostly Britain, but more widely too.
Example
- You could say that the cardboard boxes that I've moved from house to house without unpacking are the flotsam and jetsam of my life.
Pronunciation