storm-sail

storm-sail

The captain orders the storm-sail to be raised as the weather worsens.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Nautical term: A "storm-sail" is a small, strong sail used on a ship or boat during severe weather conditions (such as a storm) to maintain stability and control, rather than using the larger, more vulnerable regular sails.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The captain ordered the crew to hoist the storm-sail as the winds grew fierce. (They replaced the main sail with the smaller, stronger sail for safety.)
    • During the hurricane, only the storm-sail remained intact on the damaged vessel. (The heavy-duty sail survived the extreme weather.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to set a storm-sail": to deploy this specific sail in preparation for or during a storm.

    • The experienced mariner knew exactly when to set the storm-sail to prevent the ship from capsizing. (He used the sail at the right moment to keep the ship upright.)

  • "storm-sail" as a metaphor: sometimes used figuratively to describe a small, reliable resource used in a crisis.

    • In the company's financial crisis, the emergency fund was their storm-sail. (The fund acted as a small, dependable resource to weather the difficult period.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Storm (n): a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.

    • The storm lasted all night. (The severe weather event continued through the night.)

  • Sail (n): a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.

    • The sail billowed in the wind. (The fabric filled with air to move the boat.)
Synonyms
  • Trysail: a small, strong sail used in heavy weather, similar in function to a storm-sail.
  • Storm jib: a small, heavy-weather sail set at the front of the boat.
Related Idioms
  • "To sail through a storm": to successfully navigate a difficult situation (not directly using "storm-sail," but related to the concept).
    • With careful planning, they sailed through the storm of criticism. (They managed the difficult period without major damage.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • "To sail into a storm": to enter a difficult or dangerous situation.
    • The ship sailed into a storm without warning. (The vessel encountered severe weather unexpectedly.)