under sail

under sail — idiom

1. moving across the water on a vessel whose sails have been raised to catch the wi

1.idiomB2
Definition

moving across the water on a vessel whose sails have been raised to catch the wind; travelling without engine power, using only the wind to move forward

Example

The fishing boat left the harbour under sail, heading for the open ocean.

collocation: leave harbour under sail

Padma spotted the ship under sail just before the thick fog rolled in.

spot + [vessel] + under sail (perception verb)

Common collocations
  • travel under sail
  • leave harbour under sail
  • keep a vessel under sail
  • put to sea under sail
  • set out under sail
Synonyms
  • sailing

    more general term; 'under sail' emphasizes that sails are currently raised and in use

  • under canvas

    historical synonym; less common in modern usage

  • under way

    broader term meaning 'in motion'; does not specify the method of propulsion

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

verb of motion + under sail

keep + [vessel] + under sail

Usage Note

Commonly appears after verbs of motion (go, travel, leave, sail) or verbs of perception (see, spot, watch). It describes the method of travel, not a physical position — do not confuse with the literal meaning of being physically underneath a sail.

Common Mistakes

The boat is under sail when the engine is running.
The boat is under sail when it moves by wind power, not an engine.
'under sail' specifically means using wind power from raised sails.
We went under sail to the market.
The cargo ship went under sail from Lisbon to Recife.
'under sail' is used for sea voyages, not trips on land or short distances.

Etymology

Old English (under, segl)Middle EnglishEnglish nautical terminology

The phrase 'under sail' combines the preposition 'under' (used here in the sense of 'in the state or process of', as in 'under construction' or 'under way') with 'sail' (the fabric surface that catches wind to propel a ship). The expression has been used in English nautical language since the 16th century, when sailing vessels were the primary means of long-distance sea travel.