ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Nantucket sleigh ride

idiom
Meaning

An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.


Examples
SIMPLE

The harpooned whale pulled the boat into a wild Nantucket sleigh ride.

CONTEXTUAL

The crew held on tightly as the whale accelerated, turning their small boat into a dangerous Nantucket sleigh ride across the bay.

COMPLEX

As the line pulled taut and the boat surged forward, the harpooner braced himself for the exhilarating yet perilous Nantucket sleigh ride that would define their hunt.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    free ride

    An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.

  2. 02

    full ride

    A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.

  3. 03

    go along for the ride

    To accompany someone in a passive manner, or to take a relatively passive or detached role in a project or group activity.

  4. 04

    ride down

    To cause (a horse) to fall when riding.

  5. 05

    ride hard and put away wet

    To mistreat (someone or something); to not properly care for.

  6. 06

    ride herd on

    To supervise.

  7. 07

    ride high

    To enjoy good fortune; to be in a privileged situation; to be particularly happy or proud.

  8. 08

    ride off into the sunset

    To depart and fade into obscurity.

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