36 nautical idioms to get you shipshape and Bristol fashion

My recent adventure on the high seas (well, the North Sea to be precise) got me thinking about the numerous nautical idioms that permeate the English language.

As an island nation, Britain has a rich maritime heritage. Our reliance on the sea for trading purposes resulted in a wealth of mariners’ lingo – much of which we still use today. However, over the passage of time the majority of these seafaring phrases and sayings have become metaphorical, with their original meanings long forgotten.

I’ve added in links for some of these nautical idioms in case you’d like to learn more about their origins and etymology.

All aboard

A shot across the bows = warning shot

All hands on deck = all members of the team are/should be involved

At close quarters = very close

Broad in the beam = having wide hips or buttocks

Chock-a-block = rammed so tightly together as to prevent movement

Loose cannon = unpredictable person or thing, liable to cause damage if unchecked

On board = as a member of a team or group

To batten down the hatches = prepare for trouble

To go by the board = finished with

To know/learn the ropes = understand how to do something

To take something on board = fully consider a new idea or situation

Ship ahoy!

Rats deserting a sinking ship = people abandoning a failing enterprise or organisation

Shipshape and Bristol fashion = with everything in good order

Ships that pass in the night = transitory acquaintances

To be in the same boat = be in the same unfortunate or difficult circumstances

To give someone/thing a wide berth = stay away; avoid close contact

To push the boat out = spend generously, often to mark a special occasion

To rock the boat = say or do something to aggravate an existing situation

To run a tight ship = be very strict in managing an organisation or operation

When someone’s ship comes in = when someone’s fortune is made

Life on the ocean waves

(All) at sea = in a state of confusion or indecision

Anchors aweigh = said in preparation of getting underway, especially of a ship

Between the Devil and the deep blue sea = caught between two difficulties

In deep water(s) = in trouble or difficulty

In smooth water = in quiet and serene circumstances, especially after difficulties

Plain sailing = smooth and easy progress

Sail close to the wind = come close to breaking a rule or the law

To get underway = begin a journey or a project

To make waves = cause trouble

Miscellaneous nautical idioms

By and large = on the whole; generally speaking; all things considered

High and dry = stranded without hope of recovery

In the offing = nearby; likely to happen or appear soon

The cut of one’s jib = a person’s appearance or demeanour

Three sheets to the wind = very drunk

To cut and run = run away

To fathom out = ascertain something; deduce from the facts

To pipe down = become quiet

Mythical nautical terms

Seafaring has also provided more than its fair share of false etymology. Contrary to popular belief, cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey has nothing to do with a ship’s brass fittings, nor does the acronym POSH actually stand for ‘Port out, starboard home’.

This collection of nautical idioms is by no means exhaustive. Which ones do you like best? Any that were new to you?

If you’ve enjoyed these, do check out some of the other posts in my idioms series.

(image courtesy of njaj via Freedigitalphotos.net)