sail the high seas
To engage in piracy.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The pirates sail the high seas looking for treasure.”
“In the old stories, the captain and his crew sail the high seas to capture merchant ships.”
“Driven by a desperate need for gold, the outcasts chose to sail the high seas, forever abandoning the safety of the law.”
From *sail* + *the* + *high seas*, a metaphorical extension of maritime navigation applied to the Internet. The phrase characterizes regions of the network where piracy is prevalent.
- 01
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
- 02
crowd sail
To carry an unusual amount of sail in an attempt to accelerate the speed of a vessel.
- 03
drop in the sea
A very small or insignificant amount; something of little importance.
- 04
friends in high places
Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.
- 05
get high
To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.
- 06
get off one's high horse
To stop acting in an imperious, overbearing or bossy manner.
- 07
go to sea
To become a sailor.
- 08
hell or high water
Highly adverse circumstances; acts of God.
Last updated August 10, 2026