3 sheets to the wind

To understand this phrase we need to enter the arcane world of nautical terminology. Sailors' language is, unsurprisingly, all at sea and many supposed derivations have to go by the board. Don't be taken aback to hear that sheets aren't sails, as landlubbers might expect, but ropes (or occasionally, chains). These are fixed to the lower corners of sails, to hold them in place. If three sheets are loose and blowing about in the wind then the sails will flap and the boat will lurch about like a drunken sailor. (credit to phrases.org.uk)

When he attempted to leave bar, He did not get far as he was already 3 sheets to the wind.

3 sheets to the wind by LilDog May 9, 2014

Three Shits to the Wind

A phrase that means having terrible diarrhea that is difficult to contain and tends to splatter back on the sufferer as if shitting into the wind.

William had several helpings of Mexican food last night and now he's three shits to the wind.

Three Shits to the Wind by onehandcrabbing December 1, 2011

throw caution to the wind 

to disregard any risk or potential disaster when undertaking any enterprise, venture, etc.

The founders of the American-based fast-food chain, McDonald's, decided to throw caution to the wind when they established their original franchises in the 1930s, during the Great Depression.

throw caution to the wind by Polo May 24, 2007

three sheets to the wind 

to be explicitly drunk; inebriated

origin: sheets actually refer to the ropes that are used to secure a ship's sail. If the 3 ropes used were loose in the wind, the sail would flop around, causing the ship to wobble around, much like a drunk.

Margo was three sheets to the wind by the time we made it to Doug's party, judging by her inability to keep her clothes on.

three sheets to the wind by Bejammin H August 15, 2008

sheets to the wind 

A scalar quantity to describe state of mind, preferably a state of drunkenness with 0 being the smallest possible quantity and 100 being at the top of the scale. Place your coinciding number in front of the phrase to illustrate how drunk you are.

Yo, I went to work 70 sheets to the wind and not only did they send me home but I got driven home.

sheets to the wind by cl8on August 24, 2010

ass-face to the wind 

A state of total fluster and/or confusion.

I'm totally ass-face to the wind right now, don't ask me for directions!

ass-face to the wind by joshula December 9, 2008

balls to the wind 

Making a maximal effort. Used in conflict situations. Variation of balls out.

He charged, balls to the wind, crashing through the door.

balls to the wind by kelly crawford July 14, 2004