the old man wandered around in a daze

[angliholic]

After hearing the news, the old man wandered around in a daze, not knowing what to do.


Does "in a daze" in the above amount to "all at sea?" Thanks.

 

[beascarpetta]

After hearing the news, the old man wandered around in a daze, not knowing what to do.


Does "in a daze" in the above amount to "all at sea?" Thanks.

"in a daze" means "unable to think clearly" ;-)

"at sea" means "confused" ,

still, I wouldn't use "at sea" in this sentence

 

[Amigos4]

The 'at sea' idiom is new to me! I have never heard it used to mean disorganized or chaotic. Is this idiom considered common usage in Britain? I wonder if any of our North American friends use this expression on a regular basis!

Cheers,
Amigos4

 

[beascarpetta]

The 'at sea' idiom is new to me! I have never heard it used to mean disorganized or chaotic. Is this idiom considered common usage in Britain? I wonder if any of our North American friends use this expression on a regular basis!

Cheers,
Amigos4

hi there
well , it is used to express a feeling of being helpless, unable to cope with something
like

"I'm completely at sea with the new coins".

see you,
beascarpetta

 

[Amigos4]

hi there
well , it is used to express a feeling of being helpless, unable to cope with something
like

"I'm completely at sea with the new coins".

see you,
beascarpetta

I understand the meaning of the idiom. My question deals with common usage of the idiom. Is it a predominently European idiom or is it used in North America, also? I have never heard it used within my circle of friends.

Cheers,
Amigos4

 

[angliholic]

Thanks, beascarpetta and Amigos4.

As far as I'm concerned, I learned the idiom from textbooks, and I didn't even know where it was used.

 

[Amigos4]

Thanks, beascarpetta and Amigos4.

As far as I'm concerned, I learned the idiom from textbooks, and I didn't even know where it was used.

I fear that I have lived in the desert far too long! Any reference to the 'sea' is subconsciously purged from my mind! ;-)

 

[baqarah131]

I've heard the expression "at sea" but probably wouldn't use it myself. It must be mainly a British expression, since you haven't come across it. and it seems, to my Canadian ears, rather unusual.

cheers
edward

I understand the meaning of the idiom. My question deals with common usage of the idiom. Is it a predominently European idiom or is it used in North America, also? I have never heard it used within my circle of friends.

Cheers,
Amigos4

 

[Amigos4]

I've heard the expression "at sea" but probably wouldn't use it myself. It must be mainly a British expression, since you haven't come across it. and it seems, to my Canadian ears, rather unusual.

cheers
edward

Since there has been a significant lack of response from our North American compatriots regarding the use of this idiom, I believe we can safely assume that the expression shall forever be enshrined in the bowels of Oxford University!

Cheers,
Amigos4