(nautical) In ballast.

(nautical, of a ship) Having only ballast and no cargo as load.

(idiomatic, informal) Used to indicate that something or someone is finished, or, in a broader sense, defeated or ruined.

Synonym of throw up the sponge

(idiomatic) A fragile or vulnerable thing, likely to be put in jeopardy.

(idiomatic) In trouble.

(idiomatic, of a habit, personal characteristic, etc.) To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.

simple past tense and past participle of breed in the bone

Alternative form of smell blood

A problem or difficult issue that is very obvious, but is ignored for the convenience or comfort of those involved.