The phrase ‘The sun is over the yardarm’ is an idiomatic expression that has intrigued many due to its nautical origins and its figurative meaning related to time, particularly when it’s appropriate to have a drink. This phrase combines imagery from old sailing ships with a cultural understanding of when it is socially acceptable to relax and enjoy a beverage, often alcohol. Understanding this expression requires a look into maritime history, the meaning of the yardarm on a ship, and how this saying has evolved in everyday English.
Origin of the Phrase ‘The Sun Is Over the Yardarm’
The phrase originates from the days of sailing ships, where the yardarm referred to the horizontal spars on a mast from which sails were hung. On these ships, the yardarms extended out from the mast, usually perpendicular to it, and the height of the sun in relation to the yardarm was used to estimate the time of day. When the sun was ‘over the yardarm,’ it was considered late enough in the day for the crew to have their first alcoholic drink.
The Yardarm on a Ship
The yardarm is a critical part of a sailing ship’s rigging. It is a long horizontal pole that extends from the mast, supporting sails and signaling devices. Mariners used natural cues like the sun’s position in the sky to measure time before the invention of modern clocks. The sun reaching over the yardarm indicated that the morning was sufficiently advanced to justify certain routines, including a daily ration of spirits.
Meaning and Usage of the Phrase
Today, ‘the sun is over the yardarm’ is a colorful way of saying it is an appropriate time to start drinking alcohol, often referring to early afternoon or late morning. While the exact time can vary, the phrase generally suggests that the day has progressed enough that indulging in a drink is socially acceptable.
Figurative Meaning
The phrase has taken on a broader meaning beyond its nautical roots. It is often used humorously to signal permission to relax, unwind, or partake in leisure activities that might normally be reserved for later in the day. It reflects cultural attitudes towards drinking times and social norms.
Examples of the Phrase in Context
- Well, the sun is over the yardarm, so I think it’s time for a glass of wine.
- I’ve finished my work early today; the sun is over the yardarm, and I’m ready to relax.
- The weekend has started, and the sun is over the yardarm cheers to that!
Similar Expressions
Expressions like ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere’ carry a similar connotation of justifying early drinking, emphasizing the playful and flexible nature of social drinking norms.
Historical Context of Drinking on Ships
Historically, sailors were given daily rations of alcohol such as rum or beer, which were carefully timed. The ration was typically distributed at a specific hour, often after the sun had passed a certain point in the sky, such as over the yardarm. This practice was not only a routine but also a way to maintain morale among the crew during long, challenging voyages.
Maritime Traditions and Timekeeping
Before modern timekeeping, sailors relied heavily on natural markers like the sun and stars. The yardarm was a practical reference point, and the phrase encapsulates the way sailors measured time in relation to their daily activities and rituals.
Why This Phrase Still Matters Today
Even though modern clocks and watches have replaced the need to use the sun’s position for telling time, this phrase remains popular because of its charm and cultural resonance. It reflects a sense of tradition, leisure, and the human tendency to celebrate small moments of relaxation and enjoyment.
Use in Literature and Popular Culture
The phrase appears in various literary works, songs, and everyday speech, often invoking a nostalgic or humorous tone. It captures a timeless human experience of balancing work and leisure, discipline and indulgence.
‘The sun is over the yardarm’ is much more than a nautical saying; it’s a lively expression that connects history with modern social habits. Its meaning centers around the idea that the day has reached a point when it’s acceptable to enjoy a drink, blending the practical timekeeping of sailors with a relaxed social attitude towards leisure. Using this phrase today adds a touch of wit and tradition when discussing the start of recreational activities, especially those involving a drink.