aye aye, sir

Definitions

The correct and seamanlike reply, onboard a Royal Navy and US Navy ship, on receipt of an order from someone of senior rank or authority. It means "I understand the command and hasten to comply with the order."

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

““I fear that there is something more serious than accident here, Mr. Brently,” said the captain. “I wish⟳ that you would make⟳ a personal and very careful examination of Mr. Caldwell’s effects, to ascertain if there is any clew to a motive either for suicide or murder⟳—sift the thing to the bottom.” “Aye, aye, sir!” responded Mr. Brently, and left to commence his investigation.”

“‘Go slow ahead together, and come⟳ round to oh-one-oh.’ / ‘Aye aye, Sir . . . Slow ahead together. Starboard ten.’”

“"Get⟳ a U-boat for me - that is an order⟳." / "Aye aye, Sir."”

““[…] I want⟳ a real-time rolling Plot display of where they were, or are, or will be at any time, including a margin of maximum error. Make⟳ it fast, people!” There was a rapid chorus of “Aye aye, Sir!” from the trainees.”

CEFR level