To set out boldly on a journey or undertaking, especially into something challenging; often used with a humorous or literary tone.
To go out bravely to do something, often said in a funny or old-fashioned way.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To go out boldly to face a challenge or begin an undertaking; used in literary, historical, or humorous contexts.
"Armed with a shopping list and an umbrella, she sallied forth into the Saturday market crowds."
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.
— William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act III, Scene 1 (c. 1599) — captures the same spirit of sallying forth though the exact phrase differs
Used ironically to describe leaving to do something ordinary, as if it were an adventure.
""Right," said my grandfather, buttoning his coat, "I shall sally forth to fetch the newspaper.""
A military sally is a sudden rush outward — 'forth' reinforces the outward direction.
To go out bravely to do something, often said in a funny or old-fashioned way.
'Sally forth' is archaic in literal use but survives in modern English as a humorous or literary expression. Comes from the military term 'sally', meaning a sudden charge out from a fortified position. Often used ironically for mundane tasks.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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