drop anchor

USAGE SUMMARY

"drop anchor" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "drop anchor" when referring to a ship or boat stopping and securing itself with an anchor in a body of water. It can also be used in a figurative sense to mean to take a break or pause in activity. Example 1 (literal use): "The captain ordered the crew to drop anchor in the harbor before sunset." Example 2 (figurative use): "After a long day of work, I like to drop anchor and relax with a good book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once there, simply drop anchor and swim inside.

The New York Times - Travel

Boaters drop anchor to swim offshore and to fish (and kick back cocktails).

The New York Times

Blood has overhauled a naval vessel, has caused her to drop anchor.

The New Yorker

"We want them to drop anchor with us five or more years".

The New York Times

At least two previous attempts by upstate winemakers to drop anchor in New York City failed.

The New York Times - Food

Our German crew took rather seriously orders to drop anchor well clear of the proceedings.

The Guardian

Their contrasting methods flourished in tandem, allowing one to drop anchor.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, as night falls, they drop anchor at a safe distance.

The Guardian

And 20 tall ships and schooners, many modeled on period vessels, will drop anchor in the harbor for tours.

The New York Times

Putting culinary creation to one side, Michael headed forward to drop anchor off Millport, Great Cumbrae's only town.

Independent

The alternatives are to drop anchor or try the Race, a five-mile detour on the outside of Plum Island.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In nautical contexts, use "drop anchor" when describing the deliberate act of releasing the anchor to secure a vessel; avoid using it interchangeably with accidental or unintended anchoring.

Common error

Avoid using "drop anchor" in contexts where a simple "stop" or "pause" suffices. The phrase carries a connotation of deliberate and somewhat permanent cessation, so its use should be reserved for situations where this nuance is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drop anchor" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of releasing a ship's anchor to secure its position or, figuratively, the act of settling down or ceasing movement. Ludwig AI provides several examples that demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Travel

19%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Huffington Post

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop anchor" is a grammatically correct and very common idiomatic verb phrase used to describe the action of securing a vessel with an anchor, or figuratively, to settle down or cease activity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, particularly in news and media, travel, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the nuance of permanence when using it figuratively. Alternatives like ""settle down"" or ""establish a base"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase enjoys high source quality, demonstrating its acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cast anchor

This alternative is a more formal synonym, primarily used in nautical contexts.

set anchor

While less common, this emphasizes the act of fixing the anchor in place.

weigh anchor

Though an antonym, understanding it clarifies the meaning of "drop anchor" as its opposite action.

moor the boat

This is a broader term, encompassing various methods of securing a vessel, including using an anchor.

come to rest

This phrase offers a more general description of halting movement or activity.

settle down

This suggests establishing a permanent or semi-permanent residence or routine.

put down roots

This is a figurative expression for establishing oneself in a place or community.

establish a base

This phrase indicates setting up a center of operations or activity.

conclude activities

This highlights the termination of ongoing processes or tasks.

cease operations

This implies a formal or official halt to business or other organized activities.

FAQs

How can I use "drop anchor" in a sentence?

You can use "drop anchor" literally, like "The captain decided to "drop anchor" for the night", or figuratively, such as "After years of traveling, she decided to "drop anchor" and start a family".

What does it mean to "drop anchor" figuratively?

Figuratively, to "drop anchor" means to settle down, stop moving, or establish oneself in a particular place or situation. It implies a sense of permanence or long-term commitment, similar to how an anchor secures a ship.

What are some synonyms for "drop anchor"?

Some synonyms for "drop anchor", depending on the context, include "cast anchor" (nautical), "settle down" (figurative), or "establish a base".

Is it correct to say "dropped the anchor" instead of "drop anchor"?

Yes, "dropped the anchor" is grammatically correct. "Drop anchor" is an infinitive form often used in instructions or general statements, while "dropped the anchor" is a past tense form used to describe a specific action that has already occurred.