Turn a Blind Eye
To deliberately overlook something.
The story goes back to Admiral Horatio Nelson…
Britain’s most famous naval commander.
During the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.
Nelson was signalled to withdraw.
Instead, he lifted his telescope to his blind eye…
declared he couldn’t see the order…
and carried on fighting.
The result? A decisive victory šŖ
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.
Piss boats, switched barrels, or 1700s slang? The three competing origins of "taking the piss", why historians can't agree, and the theory we'd put money on.
Why did sailors take an axe to their own anchor? The maritime origin of "cut and run", and what it teaches us about leaving jobs, and bad hires, behind.
Bear-shirts, bare chests, or a total loss of control? Discover the brutal 1,000-year history behind going "berserk" and how the Norse sagas still argue.
