ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sail the high seas

idiom
Meaning

To engage in piracy.


Origin

disputed origin

From sail + the + high seas (“the regions of the Internet in which piracy is prevalent”).

Examples
SIMPLE

The pirates sail the high seas looking for treasure.

CONTEXTUAL

In the old stories, the captain and his crew sail the high seas to capture merchant ships.

COMPLEX

Driven by a desperate need for gold, the outcasts chose to sail the high seas, forever abandoning the safety of the law.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

  2. 02

    crowd sail

    To carry an unusual amount of sail in an attempt to accelerate the speed of a vessel.

  3. 03

    friends in high places

    Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.

  4. 04

    get high

    To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.

  5. 05

    get off one's high horse

    To stop acting in an imperious, overbearing or bossy manner.

  6. 06

    hell or high water

    Highly adverse circumstances; acts of God.

  7. 07

    high and dry

    Abandoned, stranded, helpless.

  8. 08

    high and low

    Everywhere; all over the place.

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