lifting sail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Technical (Maritime), Figurative
Quick answer
What does “lifting sail” mean?
A supplementary sail set to catch a favourable wind and help propel a sailing vessel forward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A supplementary sail set to catch a favourable wind and help propel a sailing vessel forward.
In a figurative sense, any additional advantage or element that provides a boost or assistance toward a goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British nautical literature and historical texts; American English more commonly uses specific sail names (e.g., spinnaker) in technical contexts.
Connotations
British: Traditional sailing, adventure literature. American: More directly technical or poetic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly higher in UK due to stronger tradition of nautical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “lifting sail” in a Sentence
The crew [verb] the lifting sail.A [adjective] lifting sail provided speed.It was like a lifting sail for the project.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lifting sail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to set the lifting sail as the wind came abaft.
- We'll be lifting sail at dawn, with any luck.
American English
- The skipper ordered the crew to deploy the lifting sail.
- They're planning to lift sail once they clear the harbour.
adjective
British English
- The lifting-sail manoeuvre requires a skilled crew.
- They enjoyed a lifting-sail breeze all afternoon.
American English
- The lifting sail rigging was checked thoroughly.
- They waited for a lifting sail wind.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new investment acted as a lifting sail for our expansion plans.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or literary analysis of maritime texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare in spoken language.
Technical
Specific term in sailing, though 'light-air sail' or specific names (e.g., Code 0) are more precise.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lifting sail”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lifting sail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lifting sail”
- Using it to refer to any sail. It specifically implies an auxiliary sail for extra speed in favourable conditions.
- Incorrect plural: 'liftings sail'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a somewhat archaic or literary term. Modern sailors more commonly refer to specific sails like 'spinnakers', 'gennakers', or 'code zeros'.
Yes, but only in a figurative, literary sense to describe something that provides a boost or assists progress.
A lifting sail is an auxiliary sail used specifically to capture more wind from a favourable direction (often downwind) to increase speed, not for primary propulsion or steering.
Yes, 'to lift sail' is an older phrasal verb meaning to set sail or begin a voyage. It is distinct from the noun 'lifting sail', though related in imagery.
A supplementary sail set to catch a favourable wind and help propel a sailing vessel forward.
Lifting sail is usually literary, technical (maritime), figurative in register.
Lifting sail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪftɪŋ seɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪftɪŋ seɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Every wind needs a lifting sail. (Figurative: every opportunity needs preparation)”
- “To find one's lifting sail (to find a source of motivation or advantage).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LIFTING something up to catch the wind, like a SAIL. It's an extra sail that LIFTS your speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A VOYAGE; ASSISTANCE IS A FAVOURABLE WIND; AN ADVANTAGE IS A SUPPLEMENTARY SAIL.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'a lifting sail' refers to: