3 sheets to the wind

[Hina Muqadas]

To understand this phrase we need to enter the arcane world of nautical terminology. Sailors language is, unsurprisingly, all at sea and many supposed derivations have to go by the board. Dont be [taken aback] to hear that sheets arent sails, as landlubbers might expect, but ropes (or occasionally, chains). These are fixed to the lower corners of sails, to hold them in place. If [three sheets] are loose and blowing about in the wind then the sails will flap and the boat will lurch about like a [drunken sailor]. (credit to phrases.org.uk)