![]() ![]() History: In the days of seafaring, one of the biggest concerns for a ship out at sea was disease. When the sail has been hoisted to its full extent, the blocks jam tightly together and cannot move.Ĭlean Bill of Health: To be healthy, generally well or in good condition. History: On naval vessels, a ‘block and tackle’ was the name for the mechanism used to raise the sails. Therefore, ‘by and large’ meant to keep slightly of the wind to ease influence over steering direction.Ĭhock a Block: To be packed together so tightly that there is very limited movement. Then, the term ‘by’ was used to mean ‘in the direction of’. History: In seafaring times, the word “large” was used to refer to a favourable situation when the wind was strong, and the largest sails could be raised to increase speed. ![]() Once the trick became well known, people would remind each other with the phrase ‘bottoms up’ to check their glass for hidden “payment”.īy and Large: To refer to something broadly or to speak in general of The sailor would be manipulated into “accepting payment” for joining the Navy by dropping a coin into his drink. ![]() History: This term comes from the common practice of tricking English sailors into joining the Navy when they didn’t want to. History: Thought to have come from the fact that the beam is the widest point of a ship, this term has been used to refer to an individual’s stature since the early 20th century.īottoms Up: To finish one’s drink, often quickly. Hatches were designed to promote fresh air circulation below deck and were secured with wooden battens and tarpaulins to keep the interiors dry.īroad at the Beam: To have wide hips or buttocks. History: This phrase is believed to come from the common naval practice of needing to prepare a ships hatches for impending poor weather conditions. ![]() History: This term refers to the final task of the sailor to secure the loose ends to ensure the vessel is ready and shipshape.īatten Down the Hatches: to secure and make preparations. History: This early phrase originated in the 18th Century and referred to the habit of the crow of taking the shortest route possible when in flight.Īt a Loose End: to finalise the details or requirements of an activity. In cases such as these, the ship would make a berth in the nearest port, regardless of whether they had intended to stop there or not.Īs the Crow Flies: Referring to the shortest distance between two points in a straight line. History: When at sea, vessels would occasionally become caught in galls or storms that could be potentially hazardous for both ship and crew. It was used in a similar fashion to today, in that sailors worked long hours in tiring conditions for only an extra dollar to their name.Īny Port in a Storm: A commonly used proverb usually taken to mean that in a time of difficultY, any solution is acceptable, whether completely ideal or not. History: This expression dates back to the early 19th century when American sailors were paid a dollar for a day’s work. History: Originally used to seal the pitch or tar in deck seams, a loggerhead was also used to subdue fights and other disturbances between sailors.Īnother Day, Another Dollar: A turn of phrase used with resignation to refer to a repetitive and tedious activity, such as the working week. History: Coming from the Old Dutch ‘loef’, meaning windward, this term was used when referring to a ship sailing higher to the wind and becoming separated from the rest of the fleet.Īt Loggerheads: To be in a stake of adamant dispute or argument. History: This phrase comes from the nature of sailing and was used to refer to any situation where the ship was now unable to be seen from land and could potentially never return. An item stored or viewable from the deck was said to be kept above board.Īll At Sea: A state of active confusion, disorder or disarray. History: On a naval vessel, items and equipment could either be stored on deck or below in the ship’s hold. References to this phrase in print go as far back as 1939.Ībove Board: Referring to anything in open and plain view. History: This seafaring term refers to firing a cannon across an opposing ship’s bow to indicate readiness for battle. A Shot Across The Bow: A warning shot, whether literal, symbolic or metaphorical. ![]()
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