Nautical Term: Hoist away

Definition of Hoist away

An instruction given on a ship to raise a particular flag or sail. For example, if the ship’s captain receives an order to hoist away the Jolly Roger, signaling that the ship intends to engage in piracy, the crew would quickly and efficiently raise the infamous flag. Thus, an order to hoist away serves as a clear and unequivocal directive for crew members to swiftly raise a specific flag or sail on their ship.

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