Nautical reference

Posted by Henry on March 09, 2003

In Reply to: Nautical reference posted by Adeline on March 09, 2003

A complete sea change?

A sea-change wouldn't describe this situation. It is a significant change in the nature of something;

"Full fathom five thy father lies
Of his bones are coral made
Those are pearls that were his eyes
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange."

Ariel in The Tempest by William Shakespeare

I can't think of a nautical reference; it is a demonstration that Little Things Make a Big Difference and shows the danger of extrapolation.
'A stitch in time saves nine' might also apply - an early correction to a course would prevent a long diversion.

Plain/plane sailing is also a reference to navigation at sea.

Henry

nautical reference James Briggs 03/09/03