ENGLISH
REFERENCE

aye aye, sir

idiom

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."


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.

© 2026 English Reference