Region: General | Usage example: The new software left the interns at sea for the first day.

At sea

Meaning

Confused or unable to make progress.

Used when describing perplexity or helplessness.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Nautical term for sailors lost without navigational bearings.

Adopted into daily speech in the 18th century and remains common.