It's quite amazing how many words (and phrases) in common usage are actually nautical terms.

For example...when was the last time you said: 'Everything is above board'

'That company needs a bailout'

'A storm is coming, we better batten things down'

'Did someone just let the cat out of the bag?'

'We better clear the deck so we can start this new project'

'This project is doomed. We need to cut and run'

'My son is an excellent student. He passed his exam with flying colors'

'They successfully used a loop hole to get around the rules'

'You better toe the line' (usually mis-spelled as 'tow the line' on the internet these days)

There are many, many more.

But then you have to remember, at one point in history, all things shipping and nautical were the high tech of its day, and for a long time period.

As for me, I'll be giving any more phrases a wide berth and waiting until the sun is over the yardarm so I can pop a beer.