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sally forth

C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To go out bravely to do something, often said in a funny or old-fashioned way.

Literal meaning: A military sally is a sudden rush outward — 'forth' reinforces the outward direction.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

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
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic formal

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.""

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

'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.

Commonly used with

bravely boldly once more again into the world into battle

Forms

Base
sally forth
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sallies forth
he/she/it
Past simple
sallied forth
yesterday
Past participle
sallied forth
have + pp
-ing form
sallying forth
continuous

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