Meaning: This idiom means to be confused, uncertain, or lost, especially in a situation where one does not know what to do or how to proceed.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “When they first introduced the new software, I was completely at sea and didn’t know where to start.”
- “She felt at sea during the meeting because the discussion was about a topic she wasn’t familiar with.”
- “He’s at sea with his new job responsibilities, but he’s trying his best to learn quickly.”
Origin: The idiom “at sea” originally refers to the literal experience of being out on the ocean, where one can feel lost or disoriented without land in sight. Being “at sea” in this context meant being in an unfamiliar or challenging environment, often without clear direction. Over time, the phrase came to be used metaphorically to describe feelings of confusion or uncertainty in any situation, much like a sailor might feel when navigating the vast, open ocean without a clear course.
