helm
/helm/ (bre, ipa) · /helm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhelm/ (ame, mw)
helm — noun
- helmsingular
- helmsplural
1. the wheel, handle, or lever on a vessel that you turn or move to guide the craft
the wheel, handle, or lever on a vessel that you turn or move to guide the craft left or right
The captain gripped the helm firmly as the waves rocked the boat from side to side.
collocation: grip the helm
The old wooden helm creaked as the sailor turned it hard to the right.
collocation: turn the helm
Tran took hold of the helm and turned it gently to the left.
The storm damaged the helm, so the crew had to steer with a spare lever.
Rainwater pooled on the helm, so Yuki dried his hands on his coat before grabbing the wheel.
- wheel
more general term; 'wheel' can refer to any round steering device, while 'helm' is the specific nautical term
- tiller
a long handle used for steering smaller boats, not a wheel
- steering mechanism
more technical and formal; covers all types of steering controls
文法句型
the helm
a helm
用法筆記
The helm refers to the steering mechanism itself (wheel or tiller), not the rudder — the rudder is the flat piece underwater that turns the ship when the helm is moved.
常見錯誤
2. the state or position of being officially in charge of an organisation or compan
the state or position of being officially in charge of an organisation or company
Dr. Okafor spent fifteen years at the helm of the city's largest hospital.
phrase: at the helm of [organization]
A younger generation now stands at the helm of the family business.
phrase: stand at the helm
The board members argued for weeks about who should be at the helm of the project.
With experienced leaders at the helm, the company avoided layoffs during the recession.
The non-profit organisation flourished with Amara at the helm.
- command
more authoritative; 'in command' implies the power to give orders, while 'at the helm' suggests guiding rather than ordering
- charge
more general; 'in charge of' is less metaphorical and suits any level of responsibility
- leadership
focuses on the quality and role of leading, while 'helm' emphasises the position of control
文法句型
at the helm of [organization]
at the helm
用法筆記
This is the most common use of 'helm' in everyday language. Almost always appears in the phrase 'at the helm of [organisation]' or 'at the helm'. Subject is typically a person or group in a leadership role.
常見錯誤
3. the act of starting to lead and make decisions for an organisation or group, esp
the act of starting to lead and make decisions for an organisation or group, especially during a period of change
The founder decided to retire and let her daughter take the helm.
phrase: take the helm
After months of losses, a new director was asked to take the helm.
Kwame took the helm of the struggling organisation and turned it around quickly.
Nobody wanted to take the helm while the company was losing its biggest client.
The board offered her the chance to take the helm of the European branch office.
- takeover
can be hostile or forced, while 'take the helm' implies a willing assumption of leadership
- assume control
more formal and neutral; does not carry the nautical metaphor of 'helm'
文法句型
take the helm (of [organization])
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 2: this sense focuses on the moment of taking control, while sense 2 (ORGANISATION CONTROL) describes the ongoing state of being in charge. Typically used in the phrase 'take the helm (of).'
helm — verb
- helmpresent simple I / you / we / they
- helms3rd person singular
- helming-ing form
- helmedpast simple
1. to manage and direct the activities of a group, company, or project, taking resp
to manage and direct the activities of a group, company, or project, taking responsibility for its success
Chen helmed the marketing department for eight years before retiring.
collocation: helm a department
A well-known director was chosen to helm the new film project in Mumbai.
collocation: helm a film / project
The committee asked Lucia to helm the annual fundraising campaign this year.
Vikram was proud to helm a customer-service team that won Best in Region three years running.
The company needs someone experienced to helm the overseas expansion project.
文法句型
helm + [organization/project]
用法筆記
More common in formal or written English than everyday speech. Often used in creative or business contexts (helm a film, helm a division). 'Lead' or 'manage' are more common alternatives in conversation.
常見錯誤
2. to guide any boat or other sea vessel in a desired direction by operating the st
to guide any boat or other sea vessel in a desired direction by operating the steering wheel or handle
The sailor taught his nephew how to helm the small fishing boat.
collocation: helm a boat
An experienced captain helmed the ship safely through the narrow channel.
Mei learned to helm a sailboat during her summer holiday last year.
The crew took turns to helm the vessel on the long ocean journey.
Helming a thirty-foot sailboat in strong gusts requires both strength and quick reflexes.
文法句型
helm + [boat/ship]
用法筆記
Technical nautical term. In everyday conversation about boats, 'steer' is far more common. This sense is typically used in written narratives, historical accounts, or instructional contexts about sailing.