Discover the meanings and maritime origins of common nautical idioms like ‘Taken Aback’ and ‘With Flying Colors.’ Explore how seafaring history shaped the English language.
The English language is steeped in maritime history, with hundreds of our most common phrases originating on the high seas. From the strict discipline of the British Royal Navy to the superstitions of merchant sailors, nautical idioms describe everything from being overwhelmed, like Taken Aback, to achieving outstanding success With Flying Colors.
In this category, we explore the literal origins of seafaring terms, like the ‘bitter end’ of a rope or the distressing state of the ‘doldrums’ and how they transitioned into the everyday metaphors we use on dry land today.
Looking for a quick overview? Check out our master list of 22 Nautical Idioms and Their Seafaring Origins for a deep dive into the most famous maritime expressions.
Meaning of Idiom ‘Spick and Span’ To be spick and span means to be very neat, clean, and organized; to be perfectly maintained and looking as if new. , , Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Examples Of Use “My aunt, who always kept her house spick and span, used to annoy my … Read more
An expression in use since the 1800’s. Meaning of Idiom ‘Show Your (or one’s) True Colors To show your (or one’s) true colors means to reveal your true character, feelings, opinions, etc. Usage This idiom is always used in a negative sense, to describe someone who seemed to be a better person than they turned … Read more
Two ships that pass in the night can have one of two meanings. More generally, it refers to individuals who know each other, are related, or intimate, but are not usually in the same place at the same time. A more dramatic and literary usage refers to two people who meet and have an intense romance for … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Flotsam and Jetsam’ Flotsam and Jetsam means something similar to odds and ends, especially in regards to forgotten or unwanted objects. The idiom may also refer generally to garbage or anything unwanted, including people, objects, concepts, ideas, etc. Sometimes, as well, people such as the homeless, refugees, waifs, etc. are pejoratively referred … Read more
Meaning of Fair-Weather Friend A fair-weather friend is a friend who is with you during the good times but abandons you when things go wrong. In other words, it is the kind of friend who cannot be relied upon during bad times or a crisis. This idiom can also have an extended meaning, referring to … Read more
Meaning of the Idiom ‘at Loggerheads’ To be ‘at loggerheads‘ means to be engaged in a quarrelsome argument; strongly disagreeing. This somewhat formal idiom tends to carry the connotation of being unable to reach an agreement. Sentence Examples “The union has been at loggerheads with management on the benefits package for months now.” “Peace talks … Read more