Nautical
A sea change
Meaning
A radical change.
Examples
When Obama came in after George Bush there was a real sea change in US foreign policy.
Where did it originate?
Shakespearian. An allusion to a change in the tides or weather when at sea.
Where is it used?
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How the idiom originated
All at sea
Meaning
In a confused, disordered state.
Examples
He dropped his notes just before the interview and panicked. You could say he was all at sea.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Flotsam and jetsam
Meaning
Assorted bits and pieces of rubbish; especially items that are found in the sea.
Examples
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.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 19th century. Derives from ‘things that float’ and ‘things that have been jettisoned’.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain, but more widely too.
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