ENGLISH
REFERENCE

splice the mainbrace

idiom
Meaning

To have an alcoholic drink.


Origin

disputed origin

From splice + mainbrace. Splicing the mainbrace, a heavy piece of running rigging that supported the main yard, was a skilful and arduous task, so that the men responsible would be rewarded with an extra tot of rum. Nowadays, a ceremonial order to pour a drink for a ship's company.

Examples
SIMPLE

It is time to splice the mainbrace after a long week.

CONTEXTUAL

The crew decided to splice the mainbrace to celebrate finishing the difficult project on time.

COMPLEX

Following the successful conclusion of the voyage, the captain invited the officers to splice the mainbrace in the wardroom.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    bent on a splice

    About to be married.

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