What does "weigh anchor" mean?

To raise the anchor of a ship or boat prior to getting under way.

What is a synonym for "weigh anchor"?

Common synonyms include: board, break ground, cast away, cast loose, cast off, cat the anchor.

Weigh anchor

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Verb

1
To raise the anchor of a ship or boat prior to getting under way.
"1986, Ben Elton et al., Blackadder II, 3: "Potato" - Aah-ahhh! You have a woman’s hand, milord! I’ll wager these dainty pinkies never weighed anchor in a storm. - Well, you’re right there."
2
heave up an anchor in preparation for sailing wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

board break ground cast away cast loose cast off cat the anchor

Antonyms

All antonyms

cast anchor

Example

More examples

"1986, Ben Elton et al., Blackadder II, 3: "Potato" - Aah-ahhh! You have a woman’s hand, milord! I’ll wager these dainty pinkies never weighed anchor in a storm. - Well, you’re right there."

Next best steps

Browse writing guides Explore topic clusters