set sail

Idioms and Phrases

Also, make sail . Begin a voyage on water, as in Dad rented a yacht, and we're about to set sail for the Caribbean , or We'll make sail for the nearest port . These expressions, dating from the early 1500s, originally meant “put the sails in position to catch the wind,” and hence cause the vessel to move.

Example Sentences

They had not long set sail when they learned the wrong coffin had been loaded so they returned to port and it was swapped over - in full view of the bemused passengers.

From BBC

The married couple set sail for the Canary Islands on 11 May but were soon asked to isolate in their cabin when they became ill.

From BBC

When Cal State Fullerton professor Andi Stein set sail on her first Disney Cruise trip to the Bahamas for research more than a decade ago, she was on the fence about the idea.

From Los Angeles Times

The ship anchored off the County Down coast overnight and had been expected to set sail again on Tuesday.

From BBC

Residents recorded videos, expressing joy, as the ship slipped off, excited to set sail.

From BBC