Idiom
nail your colours to the mast
Meanings
To publicly and firmly declare your opinion, principles, or allegiance, especially in a controversial situation.
Definition
To nail your colours to the mast means to state your beliefs or loyalties clearly and publicly, especially when there is risk or disagreement.
If you nail your colours to the mast, you openly declare what you believe or which side you support. It suggests commitment and courage, because you are not hiding your position. People often use it when a decision must be made or when others are staying neutral.
Examples
- In the meeting, Maya decided to nail your colours to the mast and backed the new policy.
- If you nail your colours to the mast now, be ready to explain your reasons.
- The senator finally nailed your colours to the mast on the climate bill.
- I don’t want to stay neutral anymore—I’m going to nail your colours to the mast and support the strike.
More at C1 level
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More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.