Explore the historical roots and contemporary usage of the phrase 'go by the board,' tracing its nautical origins and evolution into modern language.
To be lost or abandoned, often with the implication of being irretrievable. The phrase is used to describe something that has been discarded or has become obsolete.
The phrase “go by the board” has its origins in nautical terminology, dating back to the seventeenth century. The “board” refers to the side of a ship, and the expression originally described objects that fell overboard, becoming lost at sea without hope of recovery. Over time, the phrase expanded beyond its maritime roots to signify the loss or abandonment of any item or concept. Notably, the phrase was used by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem “The Wreck of the Hesperus” (1856): “Her rattling shrouds, all sheathed in ice, With the masts went by the board.”
The phrase “go by the board” conveys a sense of irrevocable loss or abandonment. While its original nautical connotation implied physical loss, its modern usage extends to abstract concepts, such as plans or ideas, that are discarded or rendered obsolete. The phrase often carries a connotation of inevitability or resignation.
In contemporary culture, “go by the board” is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the abandonment of plans, ideas, or practices. It appears in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation, often to emphasize the finality of a decision or the inevitability of change.
In professional settings, “go by the board” might describe the abandonment of business strategies or projects due to unforeseen circumstances. In literary contexts, it can depict the loss of ideals or values. Socially, it may refer to the obsolescence of customs or traditions.
The phrase “go by the board” remains relevant in contemporary discourse, particularly in discussions about change and obsolescence. Its nautical origins lend it a timeless quality, though its usage may be less frequent in everyday conversation. Durability: ★★★☆☆
“Her rattling shrouds, all sheathed in ice, With the masts went by the board.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Wreck of the Hesperus (1856)