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The etyomology of the phrase "dire straits" is believed to have been started in the 15th century from the many straits around the world that sailors needed to navigate their vessels through. It took experience and a steady hand to make safe passage through the straits. Often the attempt would be difficult and perilous and could lead to a shipwreck. Eventually any difficult or perilous situation could be referred to as being in "dire straits".
-Mr. Mark Frees
professor of naval history
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∙ 14y ago
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∙ 11y agoThey're from Newcastle, England.
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How do you use dire straits in a sentence?
You will be in dire straits if you do not learn your vocabulary words.
What is the meaning of dire?
The shed is in a dire need of repair.This is a dire warning to do as you are told!The coal industry is in dire straits these days.The hotel we stayed in was dire and in a very dire need of redecoration!
What is the origin of the phrase ram page?
There is no such phrase. There is a word rampage. It is of Scottish origin, perhaps from RAMP, to rear up.
What is the origin of the phrase hey presto?
The Spanish for "I have put" is he puesto, could this be the origin?
What is the origin of the phrase arm pit?
It's not a phrase, and it's one word "armpit". Origin is from Old English earm "arm" and pytt "hole in the ground".
Who sang money for nothing?
Dire straits
What was the name of Dire straits' debut album?
Dire Straits
How do you use dire straits in a sentence?
You will be in dire straits if you do not learn your vocabulary words.
When was Why Worry - Dire Straits song - created?
Why Worry - Dire Straits song - was created in 1984-11.
What is the origin of the term dire straits?
The term "dire straits" which means desperate circumstances has no particular origin. It is just one of those phrases which people adopted as a cliche to describe a particular thing.It is spelled strait - it has no relation to straight. A strait is a difficult circumstance.The word, dire, comes from the Latin word, dirus, which has a meaning close to terrifying. The word, strait, is a derivation of the word, straight, and originally had a similar meaning - tight and/or narrow. In the 14th century, it's meaning became more specified to mean narrow waterway.A literal translation for dire straits, then, would be terrifying narrow (or tight) waterway. A very nice metaphor for what we understand this phrase to mean.
When was Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits album - created?
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits album - was created in 1984-11.
What has the author Michael Oldfield written?
Michael Oldfield has written: 'Dire Straits' -- subject(s): Dire Straits (Musical group)
When was Tunnel of Love - Dire Straits song - created?
Tunnel of Love - Dire Straits song - was created on 1980-08-25.
When was Love over Gold - Dire Straits song - created?
Love over Gold - Dire Straits song - was created in 1984.
Why did David Knopfler and Pick Withers leave Dire Straits?
David Knopfler and Pick Withers left Dire Straits to branch out on their own.
What are the ratings and certificates for Dire Straits On the Night - 1993 V?
Dire Straits On the Night - 1993 V is rated/received certificates of: Australia:G
Where did Dire Straits form the band?
London
