What does the expression Damn the torpedoes mean?
(idiomatic) Used to dismiss the risks of a dangerous action.
Is the saying damn the torpedoes full speed ahead?
To press on with a task or current course of action regardless of apparent risks or dangers. Attributed to David Farragut of the United States Navy during the American Civil War, usually paraphrased as “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” The actual order (if it ever existed) was, “Damn the torpedoes!
Who said damn the torpedoes full speed ahead?
Farragut
In 1881 Charles H. Baxter, an acting master on board the Genessee, wrote that Farragut had said, “Damn the torpedoes, go ahead.”10 In his 1893 biography of Farragut, Alfred Thayer Mahan uses Loyall Farragut’s version: “Damn the torpedoes! Four Bells! Captain Drayton, go ahead!
Is it man the torpedoes or Damn the torpedoes?
An exclamation by David Farragut, an officer in the Union navy in the Civil War. Warned of mines, called torpedoes, in the water ahead, Farragut said, “Damn the torpedoes! Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!”
What is a civil war torpedo?
During the American Civil War, the term torpedo was used for what is today called a contact mine, floating on or below the water surface using an air-filled demijohn or similar flotation device. These devices were very primitive and apt to prematurely explode.
Where does the term torpedo come from?
Like the adjective torpid, torpedo can be traced back to the Latin verb torpēre, meaning “to be sluggish or numb.” In Latin torpedo literally meant “stiffness” or “numbness.” Torpedo was also the name given in Latin to the fish known as the electric ray, and it was as a name for the fish that torpedo first entered …
Why did Farragut say damn the torpedoes full speed ahead?
Recognizing hesitation from his subordinate commanders, he took the bold and decisive action of placing his flagship Hartford in the lead and giving the order, “Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!” His actions in the face of danger led the flotilla to victory.
Who wrote Damn the torpedoes?
Damn the Torpedoes is the third studio album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on October 19, 1979. This was the first of three Petty albums originally released by the Backstreet Records label, distributed by MCA Records….Track listing.
| No. | 1. |
|---|---|
| Title | “Refugee” |
| Writer(s) | Tom Petty, Mike Campbell |
| Length | 3:22 |
Who is Farragut TN named after?
Admiral David Glasgow Farragut
The Town is named after Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, the first admiral of the United States Navy, who was born in the Farragut area.
How fast is a torpedo?
They are faster than the majority of surface ships and submarines, but cannot travel faster than 50 miles per hour.
