Take a different "tack?

Posted by Bruce Kahl on September 07, 2001

In Reply to: Take a different "tack? posted by Marie on September 07, 2001

: What's the real phrase? Take a different tak?tact?
: What's the origin of this one? Help settle the argument! Thanks!

It is a Nautical term

the direction in which a ship moves as determined by the position of its sails and regarded in terms of the direction of the wind (starboard tack).

a temporary change of direction in sailing to take advantage of a side wind etc.

a course of action or policy (try another tack).

a rope for securing the corner of some sails

the corner to which this is fastened.