Nautical Term: Pouring oil on troubled waters
Definition of Pouring oil on troubled waters
The maritime tradition of pouring oil on troubled waters refers to the practice of spreading oil on the surface of the sea during heavy weather. This helps form a thin film on the water, reducing the frequency and intensity of wave breakage. By implementing this age-old method, one can effectively smooth out some difficulty in the turbulent maritime environment.
For instance, imagine a captain who is navigating his ship through a violent storm. The waves are relentlessly crashing against the ship’s hull, causing significant damage.
In an attempt to minimize the impact of the storm, the captain decides to implement the age-old maritime practice of pouring oil on troubled waters.
With the help of his crew, the captain proceeds to throw buckets of oil onto the churning sea. As the oil spreads across the water’s surface, it forms a thin film that prevents the waves from breaking as frequently and with as much force.
As a result of the captain’s quick thinking and implementation of the pouring oil on troubled waters practice, the ship is able to weather the storm more effectively, minimizing the damage to the
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