Do you know what it means to "weigh anchor"?
You might have seen it in movies or read it in books about sailors setting off on adventures.
Today, we’ll dive into the meaning, origin, and examples of this nautical idiom so you can use it confidently in your conversations.
Meaning of "Weigh Anchor"
The idiom "weigh anchor" has both a literal and figurative meaning:
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Literal meaning: To lift a ship’s anchor from the sea bottom so the vessel can start moving.
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Figurative meaning: To begin a journey, start a new project, or leave a current situation.
Summary: In short, "weigh anchor" means to get moving or set out on a new venture.
Origin of "Weigh Anchor"
The phrase comes from the world of sailing.
The word "weigh" here is used in its old English sense of “to lift” or “raise.”
Sailors in the 16th century would literally weigh the anchor to begin their voyage.
Over time, writers and speakers adopted the term metaphorically to describe any kind of departure or start of a new endeavor, not just at sea.
Some historical references appear in classic literature and naval logs from the 1700s, showing how central anchoring and departing were to maritime life.
The phrase stuck because starting a journey—whether on water or in life—was a significant moment worthy of special expression.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some ways you can use "weigh anchor" in different contexts:
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Formal: The company decided to weigh anchor and expand into international markets.
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Casual: It’s time to weigh anchor and hit the road for our weekend trip.
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Literary: The explorers weighed anchor at dawn, ready for whatever lay beyond the horizon.
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Professional: After careful planning, the team weighed anchor on the new software launch.
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Conversational: Let’s weigh anchor before traffic gets worse.
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Figurative personal: She finally weighed anchor from her old job to pursue her passion in photography.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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Set sail – Begin a journey or start a new venture, often used figuratively.
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Hit the road – Casual expression for leaving a place or starting a trip.
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Kick off – Usually for events or projects, meaning to start something.
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Take the plunge – Refers to committing to a new or risky venture.
Starting something new often calls for a creative way to describe it, and these idioms capture that spirit differently.
Sometimes, I catch myself saying "weigh anchor" even in everyday life when I’m about to leave the house or start a new project—it just makes the moment feel more adventurous.
It’s a phrase that adds a little flair and excitement to ordinary departures.
Knowing what "weigh anchor" means and where it comes from helps you use it naturally in conversation.
Next time you’re about to start something new, you might just say it with a nautical twist.
Do you use "weigh anchor" in your everyday conversations? Share your examples in the comments!