on the tack

The phrase "on the tack" can refer to specific conditions in sailing or to abstaining from alcohol in slang usage.

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Definition

C1Sailing

(technical)Sailing with the wind coming over a specific side of the boat, determining the direction relative to the wind.

Example

The yacht is on the port tack, with the wind coming over the left side.

B2Abstinence

(slang, informal)Choosing to avoid alcohol, often temporarily.

Example

He's on the tack for Lent, so he's not drinking this month.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the tack":

tack up change tack on track change of tack sit on a tack on the trot on the flat on the turn off the track tack weld on the rails on the hoof on the in harness on the deck on the pad close to the wind on the beat on the line on course