ENGLISH
REFERENCE

aye aye, sir

idiom
Meaning

The correct and seamanlike reply, onboard a Royal Navy and US Navy ship, on receipt of an order from someone of senior rank or authority. It means "I understand the command and hasten to comply with the order."


Examples
SIMPLE

The captain gave the order, and the sailor replied, 'Aye aye, sir.'

CONTEXTUAL

When the commander told him to secure the rigging, the young deckhand shouted, 'Aye aye, sir,' and ran to obey.

COMPLEX

Though unaccustomed to naval discipline, the midshipman snapped to attention and barked, 'Aye aye, sir,' masking his fear with a crisp salute.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    don't call me sir, I work for a living

    Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.

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