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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.

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 

Old sailing term. After setting all three main sails to the wind, a ship will shudder and roll, much like a stumbling drunk. Now used as a synonym for drunkenness.
Don't take notice of Angus, lad, he's three sheets to the wind.

ten sheets to the wind 

1. see also three sheets to the wind, except that the person referred to is in an even more severe state of extreme drunkenness or disarray (implied by the larger number)

2. generally incompetent, disabled, or otherwise out to lunch
1. Holy krumps. Did you see Nate the other night? He was absolutely ten sheets to the wind.

Yeah, no kidding. What an alchie!

2. Jeez, Mitch, what's your problem?

Sorry guys, but after that exam, I guess I'm just ten sheets to the wind.
ten sheets to the wind by hans2663 January 21, 2009

3 sheets to the wind

Only takes one beer to make them 3 sheets to the wind
3 sheets to the wind by anonymous November 24, 2021

Three sheets to the wind 

Three sheets to the wind: The condition a person arrives at after imbibing too much alcohol. When a person is very drunk on the verge of being out of control. Some where between “tipsy” and “snot-slinging” drunk. A Naval term that refers to a sailing ship traveling at the very highest limit of it’s speed.
After that Christmas party I was three sheets to the wind as I was walking home.
Those guys at the end of the bar are pretty much three sheets to the wind. It’s probably time to call them a cab.
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