Metaphors & colloquialisms Against the tide All ahead full All hands on deck Backing and filling Batten down the hatches Belay that! Cast a lifeline Close quarters Cut and run Cut of his jib Get underway Give a wide berth Go by the board Hand over fist Hard and fast Heave to! He’s on his beam ends High and dry In for some rough weather In the catbird seat Know the ropes Lower the boom Missed the boat On an even keel On the rocks Over the yardarm Prevailing winds Reverse all engines Righting the ship Sailing on smooth waters Shipshape & Bristol fashion Shake a leg Shot across the bow Son of a gun (child born on gun deck) Stay the course Strike your flag Take the soundings Taken aback Telltail signs Testing the waters The bitter end The cut of your jib They tied the knot Three sheets to the wind Throwing a lifeline Thrown overboard Trim your sails Troubled waters Uncharted waters Walk the plank Weathering the storm Wind out of your sails