To The Bitter End
A phrase we still use today.
It means sticking with something all the way.
No matter how tough it gets.
But its origins are firmly maritime.
At sea, the bitter end isn’t poetic. It’s practical.
It refers to the very end of an anchor or mooring line, the part secured to the bitts. The heavy posts on deck designed to take enormous strain.
On large vessels using anchor chains, the bitter end is intentionally designed to break. A last line of defence. So a runaway anchor doesn’t rip the ship apart.
So next time you hear someone say they’ll see something through to the bitter end, remember where it came from.
Sometimes, sticking it out is about knowing when to hold fast.
And when to let go.
The Maritime Origins Series
Maritime Origins is a storytelling series created by Jason Nangle, Founder of Angle Recruitment, a global maritime recruitment and executive search firm.
The series explores the fascinating history behind everyday phrases that originated at sea, as well as the remarkable stories, traditions and characters that have shaped maritime culture.
Many sayings still used today were first spoken by sailors navigating the challenges of life on board ships. Alongside these phrase origins, the series also highlights lesser-known maritime stories, legends and historical moments from the world of shipping.
Through short stories and visual posts, Maritime Origins connects the language, heritage and traditions of seafarers with the modern maritime industry.
New posts in the series launch every Tuesday on LinkedIn and are then shared across other platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X. Follow
Jason Nangle on LinkedIn and Angle Recruitment across your preferred social platforms.
The mast glows blue. No heat, no flame, just tension in the air. Once a sign from the gods, now called St Elmo’s Fire. Still enough to unsettle any crew.
After the Benlomond sank in 1942, Poon Lim spent 133 days alone on a life raft, surviving through ingenuity, resourcefulness and extraordinary determination.
A1 wasn't always a boast, it started as a ship survey at Lloyd's coffee house in the 1680s. Discover how two characters became shorthand for the best today.
