# crash dive

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/crash-dive
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An emergency maneuver by a submarine in which it suddenly descends, especially to considerable depth, usually in order to escape an attack or avoid a collision.

## Examples

- The submarine must crash dive to avoid the enemy ship.
- When the radar detected an incoming missile, the captain ordered the crew to crash dive immediately.
- Facing imminent detection by the patrol vessel, the commander initiated a desperate crash dive, plunging the vessel into the silent, crushing depths of the ocean.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.