# damn the torpedoes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/damn-the-torpedoes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to dismiss the risks of a dangerous action.

## Examples

- I will start the business and damn the torpedoes.
- The project is risky, but we decided to damn the torpedoes and launch it anyway.
- Despite the warnings from his advisors about the potential for failure, he chose to damn the torpedoes and proceed with his ambitious plan.

## 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!".

---

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.