set sail

Verb

set sail (third-person singular simple present sets sail, present participle setting sail, simple past and past participle set sail)

1. To depart on a voyage by boat or ship.
   • We set sail for the Caribbean.

   Synonyms:

   put out

   1. (literal) To spread and arrange the sails of a sailboat or sailing ship for the purpose of putting out.
      • The sailors of the regatta are going to wait out this weather before they set sail.
   2. (figuratively) To do the analogous counterpart on a vessel with any other means of propulsion, such as steaming.
      • A Navy task force is expected to set sail shortly.