Nickodell
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Some other common terms from RN origins
Heads. While the officers had private lavatories in their quarters in the stern, when the seamen had to relieve themselves their "lavatory" was a rope net slung each side of the bowsprit (a long, thick tapered spar extending forward from the stem) at the front, or head, of the ship. Hence the euphemism "going to the head." The terms are still used in warships today.
Taken Aback. In a nautical reference; if a ship is sailing "close-hauled," i.e. heading as close as possible to the wind (source) direction, and this shifts so that the sails, instead of propelling the vessel are blown back against the masts. In common parlance it signifies experiencing a sudden and unexpected event.
(Taking) The Wind Out of Your Sails. A sailing ship "up wind," i.e. closer to the direction of the wind, passes close to another on its lee (downwind) side, it can block the wind so that the lee vessel's sails are deprived of wind and it stops. We use it to mean deflating someone's enthusiasm, pride, etc: e.g. by refuting their argument in a debate.
Heads. While the officers had private lavatories in their quarters in the stern, when the seamen had to relieve themselves their "lavatory" was a rope net slung each side of the bowsprit (a long, thick tapered spar extending forward from the stem) at the front, or head, of the ship. Hence the euphemism "going to the head." The terms are still used in warships today.
Taken Aback. In a nautical reference; if a ship is sailing "close-hauled," i.e. heading as close as possible to the wind (source) direction, and this shifts so that the sails, instead of propelling the vessel are blown back against the masts. In common parlance it signifies experiencing a sudden and unexpected event.
(Taking) The Wind Out of Your Sails. A sailing ship "up wind," i.e. closer to the direction of the wind, passes close to another on its lee (downwind) side, it can block the wind so that the lee vessel's sails are deprived of wind and it stops. We use it to mean deflating someone's enthusiasm, pride, etc: e.g. by refuting their argument in a debate.