Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lift a ship's anchor from the seabed in preparation for departure: This is the specific nautical action of raising the anchor so that a vessel can begin sailing or moving from its anchored position.

Usage

• This verb phrase describes the precise action taken by a crew to prepare a ship for movement after it has been stationary and secured by an anchor.
• It is used in the context of maritime operations and sailing.
• Example: "The captain gave the order to weigh anchor at dawn."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The crew worked together to weigh anchor and set sail for the open sea.
  • We cannot depart until we weigh anchor.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used figuratively to mean to begin a journey or venture, though this is an extended, metaphorical use.
  • After years of planning, the company was finally ready to weigh anchor and launch its new product line.

Variants and Related Words

• Anchor (n): a heavy device dropped from a vessel to the seabed to moor it in place.
• Weigh (v): In nautical terminology, "to weigh" specifically means to lift up an anchor.
• Set sail (v): To begin a sea voyage. This is a related phrase that often follows weighing anchor.

Synonyms

• Heave up anchor: A direct synonym with the same nautical meaning.
• Raise anchor: A more general phrase meaning to lift the anchor.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Weigh in: To have one's weight measured, especially in sports like boxing. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb unrelated to the nautical "weigh anchor").
• Weigh on: To cause worry or distress to someone.

Related Idioms

• To weigh one's words: To choose what one says very carefully.
• To weigh the anchor is itself a fixed nautical idiom meaning to prepare for departure.

Verb

1. heave up an anchor in preparation for sailing