sheet anchor

• Grande ancre utilisée uniquement en cas d'urgence, généralement conservée comme réserve à bord d'un navire ; au sens figuré, personne ou chose offrant une sécurité ou une stabilité ultime en situation difficile.

A large anchor used only in emergencies, typically carried as a spare on a ship; figuratively, it refers to a person or thing that provides ultimate security or stability in a difficult situation.

1. Main source of securityC2formalbritish

   A person or thing that provides the primary support or stability in a difficult situation.

   ancre de salut

   • His savings were his sheet anchor during the financial crisis.
   • The experienced manager became the sheet anchor of the struggling company.
   • Her family's support served as a sheet anchor in her time of need.

2. Large emergency anchorC2formalbritish

   A very large anchor used only in emergencies to stabilize a ship in extreme weather.

   Ancre de secours

   • The crew deployed the sheet anchor to prevent the ship from drifting.
   • In heavy storms, the sheet anchor is the last line of defense.
   • The captain ordered the sheet anchor to be dropped immediately.