drop anchor

The phrase "drop anchor" originates from maritime practices but has also developed a humorous informal meaning.

Definition

B2Maritime

(technical)To release the anchor from a vessel into the water to secure it in place.

Example

  • The captain decided to drop anchor near the coast for the night.

C1Informal

(euphemistic, humorous)To defecate.

Example

  • He said he needed to drop anchor before we continued our hike.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "drop anchor":

cast anchoranchor pointsheet anchordrop someone in itdrop indrop intodrop sciencedrop behinddrop lightdrop towertie offdrop targettie down