on one's beam ends

Questions

What does on one's beam ends mean?

In a parlous or destitute state.

Where does on one's beam ends come from?

By analogy with a capsizing ship; see usage note at beam-ends.

How to pronounce on one's beam ends

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “on one's beam ends”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “on one's beam ends”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “on one's beam ends” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.