ENGLISH
REFERENCE

damn the torpedoes

idiom
Meaning

Used to dismiss the risks of a dangerous action.


Origin

disputed origin

From "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!", a famous order issued by Admiral David Farragut during the Battle of Mobile Bay, a paraphrase of the actual order, "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!".

Examples
SIMPLE

I will start the business and damn the torpedoes.

CONTEXTUAL

The project is risky, but we decided to damn the torpedoes and launch it anyway.

COMPLEX

Despite the warnings from his advisors about the potential for failure, he chose to damn the torpedoes and proceed with his ambitious plan.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    damn right

    Expresses enthusiastic support or opposition, agreement or disagreement, certainty or emphasis.

  2. 02

    damn straight

    Without doubt, certainly, for sure.

  3. 03

    damn with faint praise

    To provide praise that is minimal or inconsequential, implying that such praise is the best that could be said.

  4. 04

    give a damn

    To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).

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