Akademik

под парами
ПОД ПАРАМИ{{}}
[PrepP; Invar]
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1. [subj-compl with быть, стоять etc (subj: паровоз, пароход)]
(a locomotive or ship is) ready to set out (upon some course):
- X стоял{{}}под парами X was under steam;
- X had steam up.
2. substand [adv or subj-compl with быть (subj: human)]
in a drunken state (more often a slightly drunken one):
- X был под парами{{}} X was (a little) fuzzy (tipsy, high, tight);
- X had had a few.

Большой русско-английский фразеологический словарь. — М.: ACT-ПРЕСС КНИГА. . 2004.