8 Boat idioms
Boat idioms use images from ships and sailing to explain everyday ideas. Here are eight common boat idioms, what they mean, and examples of how you might use them.
All Hands on Deck
Everyone must help out and work together.
When the project deadline came, it was all hands on deck to finish on time.
The team needed extra help, so it was all hands on deck during the busy season.
At the Helm
In charge; leading or controlling a situation. To be “at the helm” literally means to be standing at the wheel and deciding which way the ship is supposed to go.
As the manager, Maria is at the helm of the new project.
When the captain was sick, his assistant took over at the helm.
In the Same Boat
To have the same problems or challenges as others.
We are all in the same boat when it comes to studying for the exam.
Even though they are from different teams, they are in the same boat during the company crisis.
Rock the Boat
To cause trouble or make a situation unstable.
He didn’t want to rock the boat by bringing up the issue during the meeting.
Sometimes, speaking out can rock the boat, but it might be needed to make a change.
Miss the Boat
To miss an opportunity.
She missed the boat on buying tickets for the concert because she waited too long.
If you delay your decision, you might miss the boat on a good deal.
Run a Tight Ship
To manage something very strictly and efficiently.
The new boss runs a tight ship, so everyone has to follow the rules.
In our club, the president runs a tight ship to make sure meetings start on time.
Smooth Sailing
An easy, problem-free situation. Just like sailing over calm water where there are no waves or any other obstacles.
After the hard start, the rest of the semester was smooth sailing.
With good planning, the event went off with smooth sailing.
To Steer Clear
To avoid something or stay away from a situation.
He decided to steer clear of the discussion to avoid an argument.
It’s best to steer clear of that neighborhood at night.
