sets sail

Departs by sea

Sets sail means to begin a voyage by water, departing from port or shore: The ship sets sail at dawn.

The phrase evokes the literal raising of sails to catch wind, though it applies equally to motorized vessels.

Figuratively, it can mark the start of any significant journey or undertaking: Tomorrow she sets sail on a new chapter of her life.

Related

weigh anchor · ship · all aboard · seafaring · commence · voyage · high seas · open water · cast off · adventure · journey · maiden voyage · put to sea · nautical · helm · anchor · start · hoist

Opposites
departure vs. arrival

sets sailarrives

Reaches a destination

docks · lands · berths · makes landfall · anchors

movement vs. stasis

sets sailstays put

Remains in place

embarkation vs. disembarkation

sets saildisembarks

Exits a vehicle

debarks · offloads

Family

set, sail, sets, setting, setter, reset, inset, offset, onset

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G