set sail

Related to set sail: sail through

set sail

To embark on a journey on water in a boat (not necessarily one with sails). We're about to set sail, so take care of any unfinished business in the port now or forever hold your peace! We only set sail a month ago, but it feels like we've been at sea for years now.
See also: sail, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

set sail

Also, make sail. Begin a voyage on water, as in Dad rented a yacht, and we're about to set sail for the Caribbean, or We'll make sail for the nearest port. These expressions, dating from the early 1500s, originally meant "put the sails in position to catch the wind," and hence cause the vessel to move.
See also: sail, set
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

set sail

Nautical
To begin a voyage on water.
See also: sail, set
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • make sail
  • set sail for (some place)
  • set sail for some place
  • under sail
  • crowd (on) sail
  • crowd sail
  • take forever
  • crowded
  • sail
  • sail for (some place)
References in periodicals archive
Another Iranian ship, the Termeh, set sail from Paranagua Port two days ago and will stop at the Brazilian port of Imbituba, where it will pick up a load of corn before returning to Iran.
Summary: New Delhi [India], June 24 (ANI): At least 164 people from Delhi, who set sail from Kerala coast on January 12 this year, are still missing.
The boats will set sail from Beigan's Qiaozi Harbor and Baisha Harbor, Central News Agency (CNA) reported on Wednesday (May 1).
CRUISE NORTHERN EUROPE SET sail from London Tilbury onboard the Magellan from Cruise and Maritime Voyages and enjoy a 10-night exploration of Amsterdam, the Orkney Islands, Oban, Belfast, Cobh for Cork, Rouen and a cruise on the River Seine in Honfleur, France, before sailing back to London Tilbury.
Jerry Hobkirk, who sold her the vessel, told the Daily Mirror at the time: "I was amazed when I found out that she had set sail. If I had known, I'd have stopped her.
The Flipflopi, a traditional dhow made entirely of plastic trash collected from beaches, has set sail on its first maiden overseas voyage to Zanzibar, 500 kilometres away.
Aurora in Norway SET SAIL FOR NORWAY P&O CRUISES is offering a 12-night Norwegian cruise on Aurora (R902) from PS979 per person for an inside cabin.
Mrs Crusoe and her crew set sail seeking their treasures after Mrs Crusoe inherits an island.
This weekend, hundreds of latex-loving Germans set sail for a floatingfetish boat party.
seven Not only do they already have 14 ships currently sailing the world's oceans, they also have two more due to set sail on their maiden voyage in the next 12 months, and seven more due before 2026.
President Duterte on Thursday said that he was planning to set sail for the Philippine Rise next week in order to assert the country's sovereignty over the area.
A DOUBLE amputee is preparing to set sail on a global adventure after fearing he would never walk again.
In a statement, the authority added that two container ships and cargo vessel sailed into West Port Said harbor, while three other ships set sail. Two more container vessels are expected to sail into the harbor.
Launched on July 31, the first of the two Jet Set Sail charter flights was operated by Titan on behalf of Celebrity Cruises.
Members of the public will be able to go on board the historic ship, which set sail on its maiden voyage in 1963.