SAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Sail is a noun and a verb that primarily refers to a large piece of fabric or material that is designed to catch the wind in order to propel a boat, ship, or other watercraft forward. As a noun, it is often used to describe the individual sheets of fabric, typically triangular or quadrilateral in shape, that are attached to masts and spars of a vessel. Sails can be made from various materials such as canvas or synthetic textiles, and they are adjusted and controlled by ropes, called lines, in order to effectively trap the wind and propel the vessel forward in the desired direction.
As a verb, sail means to navigate or ride on a vessel propelled by the wind or other means. It involves the action of using sails and wind power to move across water. Sail can also imply the act of operating or managing a boat or ship, including the adjustment and control of the sails to maintain proper speed and course. Additionally, sail is figuratively used to indicate smooth and effortless movement, similar to gliding through the air or water gracefully. In this context, it may be used to describe someone or something moving swiftly, easily, or smoothly, without effort or obstacles. Sail is a versatile term that is commonly employed in the context of maritime activities, and it is crucial for the functioning and navigation of sailboats, yachts, and various types of ships.
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• A sheet of strong canvas which, when spread out in a ship, catches the wind to impel it through the water-there are many sails in a ship, and each one has a different name; a ship or ships; an excursion in a ship; in poetry, wings.
• To be moved or impelled by the force of the wind on sails, as a ship on water; to begin a voyage; to float or pass smoothly along; to fly without striking with the wings, as a bird.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SAIL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SAIL
Etymology of SAIL
The word "sail" originated from the Old English word "segel", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "seglo". This term ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sek-", meaning "to cut" or "to divide". The idea behind this root is related to how a ship's sail is divided into sections that catch the wind, allowing the vessel to move forward.
Idioms with the word SAIL
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under sail
The idiom "under sail" refers to a situation in which a boat or ship is propelled by wind power using its sails, rather than relying on an engine or motor. It can also be metaphorically used to describe progress or movement in any endeavor or situation, indicating that it is being driven by external forces or influences.
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set sail
The idiom "set sail" refers to starting a journey, usually by sea, by hoisting the sails of a ship and beginning to move forward. It means to embark on an adventure or undertake a new venture or project.
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sail up a river
The idiom "sail up a river" typically means to make progress or achieve success in a challenging situation or against difficult odds. It refers to the act of sailing a boat upstream against the current, which requires extra effort and perseverance. Thus, the idiom suggests overcoming obstacles and moving forward despite the difficulties encountered.
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sail into sm or sth
The idiom "sail into" means to aggressively or forcefully confront someone or something, often with criticism or physical actions. It implies engaging in a situation or argument with great energy and determination.
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set sail (from/for…)
The idiom "set sail (from/for…)" means to begin a journey or voyage by boat or ship. It is often used metaphorically to indicate starting a new undertaking or embarking on a new adventure or endeavor.
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sail into sth
The idiom "sail into something" typically means to begin or undertake a task or activity with great enthusiasm, determination, or intensity. It is often used in the context of starting a new project or endeavor with energy and focus.
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sail through sth
The idiom "sail through something" typically means to complete or accomplish something with ease, without encountering any difficulties or obstacles. It implies that the task or situation is handled effortlessly and smoothly, similar to sailing through calm waters.
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make sail
The idiom "make sail" refers to the act of hoisting or setting sail on a ship or boat. It figuratively means to embark on a journey, to start a new venture or to move forward with enthusiasm and determination.
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take in sail
The idiom "take in sail" typically refers to reducing or lowering one's ambitions, plans, or expectations in response to a challenging or difficult situation. It originates from the nautical practice of lowering or reducing the surface area of a sail during stormy or gusty weather to maintain control and prevent damage to the ship. In a broader sense, it suggests the act of scaling back or being more cautious in order to navigate through adverse circumstances.
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sail from some place to some place else
The idiom "sail from some place to some place else" means to travel by boat or ship from one location to another. It implies a journey or voyage between different destinations, typically by water transportation.
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set sail for sm place
The idiom "set sail for [some place]" means to embark on a journey or begin a new venture, often with a clear destination or goal in mind. It originates from the act of setting sail on a ship, representing the start of a voyage or adventure.
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sail around
The idiom "sail around" typically refers to the act of circumnavigating something or going around it by sailing. It can be used both literally, when referring to sailing around a physical object or location, such as an island or a cape, as well as figuratively, indicating the act of finding an alternative route or avoiding a direct confrontation or obstacle.
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sail for sm place
The idiom "sail for (somewhere) place" typically means to set sail or begin a journey towards a particular destination or location. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of starting a new venture, embarking on a new chapter, or making a decisive move towards a desired objective.
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sail into smw
The idiom "sail into someone or something" generally means to approach or confront someone or something with enthusiasm, determination, or aggression. It implies taking immediate action or engaging in a challenging situation without hesitation.
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sail (right) through sth
The idiom "sail (right) through sth" means to easily and smoothly pass or accomplish something without facing any significant difficulties or obstacles. It implies that the person or thing involved effortlessly handles a task or situation with ease and success.
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sail from sm place to sm place else
The idiom "sail from somewhere to somewhere else" typically means to move or travel from one location or situation to another, especially in a smooth or effortless manner. It often implies a transition or change of circumstances. However, it is important to note that this idiom is not widely used or recognized.
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sail under false colors
To "sail under false colors" means to deceive or mislead others about one's true intentions or identity. It is derived from naval warfare, where ships would fly flags, known as colors, to indicate their allegiance or intent. Sailing under false colors refers to a ship hoisting different flags to disguise its identity and intentions, often done to deceive or attack unsuspecting vessels. In a broader sense, the idiom is used to describe anyone who dishonestly presents themselves or their objectives.
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sail in (to sth)
The expression "sail in (to sth)" typically means to approach or enter a situation confidently and enthusiastically, often in order to take an active or leading role. It can also suggest beginning a task or project energetically and with great determination.
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sail into sm
The idiom "sail into sm" typically means to confront, criticize, or scold someone vehemently or fiercely.
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sail close to the wind
The idiom "sail close to the wind" means to engage in risky or dangerous behavior, often flirting with or pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or lawful.
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sail against sth
The idiom "sail against something" means to go against or oppose something, typically a prevailing idea, opinion, or commonly accepted practice. It implies going in a direction contrary to the prevailing trend or resisting the dominant influence.
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sail along
The idiom "sail along" refers to the smooth and effortless progress or journey of someone or something. It suggests that things are going well without any significant obstacles or difficulties along the way.
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sail before the wind
The idiom "sail before the wind" means to experience favorable and easy circumstances or to make quick progress without encountering challenges or obstacles. It refers to a sailing term where a ship is moving in the same direction as the wind, making the journey smooth and effortless.
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sail under false colours
The idiom "sail under false colours" means to deceive or mislead others by pretending to be someone or something you are not. It originates from naval warfare, where ships would raise flags or banners (colours) to identify their nationality. "Sailing under false colours" refers to a ship that hoists a flag of a different country to conceal its true identity and intentions. In a figurative sense, the idiom implies hiding one's true motives or intentions to gain an advantage or deceive others.
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sail along (sth)
The idiom "sail along (sth)" means to progress smoothly, easily, or without any difficulties or obstacles in a particular situation or endeavor. It implies a sense of effortless and uninterrupted forward movement, similar to how a ship sails smoothly along calm waters.
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sail through
The idiom "sail through" means to complete something successfully or effortlessly without any difficulty or obstacles. It refers to smoothly navigating through a task, challenge, or situation with ease.
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Hoist your sail when the wind is fair.
The idiom "Hoist your sail when the wind is fair" means to take advantage of favorable circumstances or opportunities when they arise. It suggests that one should be proactive and seize the right moment to set their plans in motion or make a decisive move towards achieving their goals. Waiting for the perfect conditions before taking action can lead to missed opportunities.
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sail against the wind
The idiom "sail against the wind" refers to persistently and determinedly pursuing a course of action, even when faced with obstacles or challenges that make achieving the goal difficult. It implies going against the natural or conventional direction, similar to how sailing against the wind requires strategic maneuvering and effort.
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reef a sail in
The idiom "reef a sail in" originates from sailing terminology and means to reduce the area or surface of a sail by folding or rolling it in order to manage or control the speed and direction of a sailing vessel during strong winds or rough seas. It is used figuratively to convey the idea of exercising caution, prudence, or moderation in order to avoid potential risks or difficulties.
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sail against
The idiom "sail against" refers to the act of opposing or going against something, often used metaphorically. It implies resisting or challenging an established norm, belief, or authority. It can also indicate defying expectations, confronting obstacles, or challenging conventional wisdom in pursuit of one's goals or ideals.
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crowd (on) sail
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sail into someone
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crowd sail
Similar spelling words for SAIL
- solea,
- Zoila,
- Ceil,
- salaah,
- Soyle,
- Salwa,
- Seely,
- seel,
- Slee,
- zeal,
- Saulie,
- sol,
- Sallie,
- sell,
- psylla,
- Syle,
- zola,
- Sewel,
- salai,
- Sloo,
- Zelia,
- Zillah,
- Zale,
- Sollie,
- Zilla,
- Soulle,
- Zylia,
- Sala,
- Sile,
- Ceileigh,
- swell,
- sale,
- swill,
- sle,
- Swal,
- Sol-faed,
- Sylwia,
- Cile,
- Zolia,
- Seeley,
- Zaylia,
- Silliya,
- Celia,
- slay,
- scylla,
- Zoilo,
- Zele,
- Cella,
- soil,
- Silia,
- go-slow,
- Slowh,
- Soli,
- Saily,
- Zoela,
- Soily,
- Zila,
- Sol-fa,
- xlii,
- Scyllaea,
- Psyllae,
- Salli,
- seoul,
- sulla,
- Cili,
- Seelie,
- Cele,
- Seula,
- Soly,
- Selah,
- Scyle,
- Soal,
- Cela,
- Salue,
- Saelee,
- saale,
- Sull,
- sloe,
- seawall,
- szell,
- scilla,
- Sely,
- xliii,
- Saulo,
- xli,
- Selie,
- Seila,
- sialia,
- soul,
- Sela,
- Xylia,
- salo,
- Cilla,
- Slaie,
- Selia,
- Ceileh,
- Cilly,
- Sewell,
- Ceola,
- Soila,
- sally,
- cello,
- Cyle,
- Salley,
- Salih,
- slow,
- sleigh,
- Cill,
- saul,
- Sealey,
- silly,
- Seelia,
- Celie,
- Celli,
- Silya,
- Syl,
- slaw,
- slew,
- zulu,
- Xylo-,
- Zailie,
- Sowle,
- sole,
- Cellie,
- sully,
- Celio,
- saleh,
- Cilia,
- Salha,
- Siliya,
- Ceila,
- Ceilia,
- seal,
- sly,
- Sowl,
- sallow,
- sial,
- Zelie,
- Zayle,
- Sewall,
- Seelye,
- Sulu,
- salah,
- Sal,
- Sola,
- Sweal,
- Swale,
- Zella,
- Ceili,
- Salee,
- Zoelie,
- Zoelle,
- slo-bid,
- sill,
- Zula,
- Sallee,
- Zalia,
- silo,
- Sillia,
- Xyla,
- Sulleigh,
- cell,
- zill,
- solo,
- Silja,
- Sulley,
- slue,
- Sley,
- sula.
Conjugate verb Sail
CONDITIONAL
I
would sail
you
would sail
he/she/it
would sail
we
would sail
they
would sail
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be sailing
you
would be sailing
he/she/it
would be sailing
we
would be sailing
they
would be sailing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sail
you
would have sail
he/she/it
would have sail
we
would have sail
they
would have sail
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been sailing
you
would have been sailing
he/she/it
would have been sailing
we
would have been sailing
they
would have been sailing
FUTURE
I
will sail
you
will sail
he/she/it
will sail
we
will sail
they
will sail
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be sailing
you
will be sailing
he/she/it
will be sailing
we
will be sailing
they
will be sailing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have sailed
you
will have sailed
he/she/it
will have sailed
we
will have sailed
they
will have sailed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been sailing
you
will have been sailing
he/she/it
will have been sailing
we
will have been sailing
they
will have been sailing
IMPERATIVE
you
sail
we
let´s sail
to sail
PAST
I
sailed
you
sailed
he/she/it
sailed
we
sailed
they
sailed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was sailing
you
were sailing
he/she/it
was sailing
we
were sailing
they
were sailing
PAST PARTICIPLE
sailed
PAST PERFECT
I
had sailed
you
had sailed
he/she/it
had sailed
we
had sailed
they
had sailed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been sailing
you
had been sailing
he/she/it
had been sailing
we
had been sailing
they
had been sailing
PRESENT
I
sail
you
sail
he/she/it
sails
we
sail
they
sail
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am sailing
you
are sailing
he/she/it
is sailing
we
are sailing
they
are sailing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
sailing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have sailed
you
have sailed
he/she/it
has sailed
we
have sailed
they
have sailed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been sailing
you
have been sailing
he/she/it
has been sailing
we
have been sailing
they
have been sailing
I
would have sailed
we
would have sailed
you
would have sailed
he/she/it
would have sailed
they
would have sailed
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