hoist the mainsail

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To raise the main sail of a sailing boat, usually by pulling ropes.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the object is always 'the mainsail'.

   Patterns

   • hoist the mainsail
   • hoist the mainsail on something

   The captain shouted to the crew to hoist the mainsail as the wind picked up.

   We hoisted the mainsail and set off toward the island.

   Before leaving the harbor, they hoisted the mainsail and checked the rigging.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurative

   To begin a journey or undertaking, especially with energy (figurative).

   Grammar: Used figuratively to mean starting something big; often in storytelling or motivational contexts.

   Patterns

   • hoist the mainsail
   • hoist the mainsail on something

   After months of planning, they hoisted the mainsail on their new business venture.

   She decided to hoist the mainsail and travel around the world.

   The team hoisted the mainsail on the project with great enthusiasm.

Common combinations

hoist the mainsail

The sailors hoisted the mainsail quickly.

hoist the sails

They hoisted the sails and left the port.

hoist the flag

The scouts hoisted the flag at sunrise.

Synonyms and how they differ

raise the mainsail

A more general term meaning to lift the main sail; 'hoist' often implies using ropes and pulleys.

set sail

Means to begin a voyage by adjusting sails; it does not focus on the specific action of raising the mainsail.

Opposites

Word family

hoist verb

To lift or raise something heavy, especially with ropes.

mainsail noun

The largest sail on a sailing boat, attached to the mainmast.

Commonly confused: hoist the mainsail or hoist the main sail?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “hoist the mainsail”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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