sails flap

Frequency: 6.04.8 per million words

When sails move loosely and noisily because there is not enough wind or it is coming from the wrong direction.

sailsail + VERB

Categories:

flap

Examples (10)

  • In the calm, the sails just flapped uselessly.
  • The sudden gust made the sail flap loudly.
  • Without a steady breeze, the sails began to flap against the mast.
  • We heard the rhythmic sound of the sails flapping as the boat drifted.
  • The captain adjusted the rigging to stop the sails from flapping wildly.
  • When the wind died, the large main sail would flap with an irritating sound.
  • A slight change in wind direction caused the sails to flap rather than fill.
  • The sound of flapping sails indicated a lack of proper wind.
  • Despite their efforts, the crew couldn't stop the sails from flapping in the choppy waters.
  • The boat was stuck, its sails flapping helplessly in the doldrums.