Pirates have a unique way of talking, and some of their phrases are still used today. This post explores pirate-related expressions that have become part of everyday English. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning these fun phrases!
Pirate Idioms
Here are 20 pirate idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
Show your true colors
Meaning: Reveal your real intentions.
Example: When he finally showed his true colors, we all were surprised.
Shiver me timbers
Meaning: Expression of shock or disbelief.
Example: Shiver me timbers! That’s a huge whale!
Walk the plank
Meaning: To face a terrible fate.
Example: He might as well walk the plank if caught cheating.
Batten down the hatches
Meaning: Prepare for trouble.
Example: The storm’s coming, batten down the hatches!
Know the ropes
Meaning: To understand how to do something.
Example: He really knows the ropes of sailing.
Clear the deck
Meaning: Prepare for action.
Example: Clear the deck, we need space for the cargo!
Cut and run
Meaning: Escape quickly.
Example: When trouble started, we decided to cut and run.
Keel over
Meaning: Collapse or fall over.
Example: He nearly keeled over from exhaustion.
High and dry
Meaning: Stranded or abandoned.
Example: Left high and dry without any help, she struggled.
Three sheets to the wind
Meaning: Very drunk.
Example: He was three sheets to the wind at the party.
Fly-by-night
Meaning: Unreliable or untrustworthy.
Example: That fly-by-night trader cheated many villagers.
By and large
Meaning: Generally speaking.
Example: By and large, the crew is very experienced.
Loose cannon
Meaning: Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage.
Example: He’s a loose cannon; keep an eye on him.
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Meaning: Stuck between two dangers.
Example: We were caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
No room to swing a cat
Meaning: A very small space.
Example: There’s no room to swing a cat in this tiny apartment.
Toe the line
Meaning: Obey the rules.
Example: The captain demands we all toe the line.
Marooned
Meaning: Abandoned with no way of escaping.
Example: He was left marooned on the deserted island.
On the account
Meaning: Engaged in piracy.
Example: He went on the account and turned pirate.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick.
Example: He’s under the weather today and won’t join us.
Turn the tide
Meaning: Reverse the situation.
Example: The new strategy could turn the tide in our favor.
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