damn the torpedoes
Ignore the risks
Damn the torpedoes is an exclamation urging bold action despite risks or obstacles.
The phrase comes from a command attributed to Admiral David Farragut during an 1864 naval battle, often quoted as "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" It now appears in business and politics when someone advocates pressing forward despite warnings: The board said damn the torpedoes and approved the merger.
- fullMaximum extent reached
- aheadIn the lead
- go for brokeRisk all resources
- no turning backCommitment beyond reversal
- ironcladsWooden warships with armor
press on regardless · charge · throw caution to the wind · come hell or high water · take the plunge · leap of faith · bravery · batten down the hatches · intrepidity · fortitude · mettle · gallantry · naval tactics · full speed ahead · audacity · fearlessness · nuke it from orbit · boldness
- Risk-Takingplaying with fire, rolling the dice, taking chances, living on the edge, going for broke
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
- impulsive actionsspur of the moment, on a whim, snap decision, knee-jerk reaction, rush in
- risk phrasestake a chance, take a gamble, risk it all, go for broke, roll the dice
- Political Quotesall men are created equal, Gettysburg Address, Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, nothing to fear
damn the torpedoesretreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
play it safe · cut and run · turn tail · beat a hasty retreat · abandon ship
damn the torpedoesproceed with caution
Continue while staying vigilant
hem and haw · pump the brakes · hedge your bets · wait and see · analysis paralysis
damn the torpedoesplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
better safe than sorry · err on the side of caution · risk aversion · proceed with caution · hedge your bets
damn, damns, damned, damning, damnation, damnable, damnably, torpedo, torpedoes