tack about
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Turn a sailing boat so the wind comes from the other side
Literal meaning: To tack (a sailing maneuver) about (around) — relatively transparent within nautical vocabulary.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
(Nautical) To turn a sailing boat by bringing the bow through the direction of the wind so the wind now comes from the opposite side
"The skipper ordered the crew to tack about as they approached the rocky headland."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
(Figurative) To completely reverse one's position, strategy, or direction
"After the failed negotiations, the government decided to tack about and try a diplomatic approach."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily a nautical term. Outside sailing, it can be used metaphorically to describe a complete change in direction or strategy, though this figurative use is rare.
Commonly used with
boat vessel sail wind bow course
Forms
Base
tack about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tacks about
he/she/it
Past simple
tacked about
yesterday
Past participle
tacked about
have + pp
-ing form
tacking about
continuous
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