sheet anchor

• Âncora grande usada apenas em situações de emergência, geralmente guardada como reserva a bordo de um navio; em sentido figurado, pessoa ou coisa que proporciona segurança ou estabilidade máxima em uma situação difícil.

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.

   Principal fonte de segurança

   • 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.

   Âncora de tempestade

   • 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.