sail away

USAGE SUMMARY

'sail away' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as advice to people who are feeling overwhelmed, suggesting that they take time to relax and 'sail away' from their worries. For example, "When life gets overwhelming, just remember to take a break and sail away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Don't let this one sail away.

The New York Times

Sail away from the safe harbor.

Independent

Quotes from his song "Sail Away".

The New Yorker

"Sail away with me, to another world".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The other you can sail away on".

The New York Times

Mainstream lenders worry that floating borrowers will, well, sail away.

Independent

But "Sail Away" is not a contest with monetary reward.

The New York Times

He could sail away, as far as he liked.

The New Yorker

I used to feel we could sail away.

The Guardian - Sport

Sail away A Caribbean family holiday doesn't have to be beach-bound.

Independent

Andy hides our shoes under a bush and we step down an embankment and sail away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sail away" when you want to evoke a sense of adventure, escape, or embarking on a new journey. It's particularly effective in creative writing or when giving advice about overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "sail away" in literal contexts where actual sailing is not involved, as this can lead to confusion. Ensure the context aligns with the idiomatic meaning of embarking on a journey or escaping.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sail away" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, describing the action of departing by sea or, metaphorically, escaping from a situation. Ludwig examples illustrate both literal and figurative usages, aligning with Ludwig AI confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sail away" is a versatile expression used to describe physical departure by sea or, more commonly, a metaphorical escape from a difficult or overwhelming situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal conversations. While it is generally suitable for a neutral to informal tone, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "set sail" or "embark on a journey" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set sail

This alternative refers specifically to the act of starting a sea voyage.

embark on a journey

This alternative is a more formal and general way of saying to start a trip or adventure.

leave behind

This alternative focuses on the act of abandoning something or someone.

escape

This alternative emphasizes the act of getting away from a difficult or dangerous situation.

take off

This alternative is a more general term for leaving, applicable to various modes of transportation.

abscond

This alternative suggests leaving suddenly and secretly, often to avoid arrest or prosecution.

make off

Similar to 'abscond', it implies a quick and often illicit departure.

wing away

This alternative evokes a sense of freedom and lightness in departure, though less common.

float away

Suggests a gentle, effortless departure, often metaphorical.

fly the coop

This is an informal idiom for escaping or leaving a confined situation.

FAQs

How can I use "sail away" in a sentence?

You can use "sail away" to describe physically leaving a place, as in "They were given a boat and coordinates to freedom, and they "sail away" from the Island." Or use it to suggest escaping mentally, as in "Sometimes, you just need to "sail away" from your worries and relax."

What does "sail away" mean?

The phrase "sail away" typically means to depart on a sea voyage or to escape from a difficult situation. It can also metaphorically suggest embarking on a new adventure or journey.

What can I say instead of "sail away"?

You can use alternatives like "set sail", "embark on a journey", or "escape" depending on the context.

Is "sail away" formal or informal?

"Sail away" is generally considered a neutral to informal expression. It's suitable for everyday conversation and creative writing, but might be less appropriate in very formal or technical contexts.