bare poles
The condition of a sailing boat when all of its sails have been taken in.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The storm hit, so the crew went to bare poles.”
“With the wind gusting at fifty knots, the captain ordered the crew to go to bare poles to avoid capsizing.”
“As the tempest raged and the mainsail threatened to split, the seasoned skipper commanded the vessel to bare poles, trusting only the engine to carry them through the maelstrom.”
- 01
bare one's soul
To reveal one's innermost feelings and thoughts, especially concerning one's doubts, regrets, or flaws; to tell one's personal secrets to others.
- 02
bare one's teeth
To show aggression.
- 03
high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
- 04
low on the totem pole
Accorded relatively little importance.
- 05
not touch with a barge pole
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).
- 06
not touch with a ten-foot pole
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.
- 07
poles apart
Totally opposite.
- 08
the cupboard is bare
There is little to no food or money.
Last updated August 10, 2026