English Explanatory Dictionary

damn the torpedoes

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. Used to dismiss the risks of a dangerous action.

Pronunciation

en-au-damn the torpedoes.ogg

Word forms

damn the torpedoes damns the torpedoes damning the torpedoes damned the torpedoes

Etymology

From "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!", a famous order issued by Admiral David Farragut during the Battle of Mobile Bay, a paraphrase of the actual order, "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!".

Related words

burn one's boats
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