PhrasesHub

steer the ship

    Definitions

      • take charge
        To be in control or in a position of leadership, especially in a difficult or challenging situation

      • change direction
        To alter the course or path of something, typically a plan or project, in order to achieve a different outcome

    Examples of steer the ship

    • The CEO has to steer the company through this difficult economic downturn.

      In this example, the idiom "steer the ship" is used figuratively to describe the leadership role of the CEO during a crisis. Just as a captain steers a ship through rough waters, the CEO guides the company through financial hardships.

    • The new project manager has to steer the team in the right direction.

      Here, the idiom is used figuratively to describe the role of the project manager in guiding the team towards successful project completion. The project manager is like the captain of a team, steering them towards their destination.

    • The coach has to steer the team to victory.

      This example uses the idiom figuratively to describe the job of a coach in guiding the team to success. The coach is like the captain of the team, steering them towards victory.

    • The politician has to steer the country towards prosperity.

      In this example, the idiom is used figuratively to describe the role of the politician in guiding the country towards economic growth. Just as a captain steers a ship towards its destination, the politician steers the country towards prosperity.

    • The veteran CEO steered the struggling tech company through a difficult financial crisis by making tough decisions and implementing smart strategies.

      "Steer the ship" is a figurative phrase meaning to take charge and guide a group or organization in a particular direction, like steering a ship through rough waters. In this example, the CEO is the one charting a course for the company's survival during a financial storm, using his or her experience and expertise to navigate through the crisis.

    • The ambitious politician steered the conversation back to her campaign platform, despite her opponent's attempts to derail it with personal attacks.

      In this example, the politician is directing the flow of the discussion towards a specific topic - her campaign message - in the face of opposition. The metaphorical "ship" here is the narrative of the debate, which she is successfully guiding towards her desired destination.

    • The determined manager steered the project towards completion, rallying the team and removing obstacles along the way.

      This example illustrates how "steer the ship" can also refer to leading a team or project to a successful finish. The manager is the one steering the ship of the project towards its ultimate destination, guiding the team members and making necessary adjustments to ensure success.

    • The seasoned sailor steered the yacht through the treacherous waters, relying on her years of experience to avoid the hidden dangers.

      In this example, the "ship" is a literal vessel, and the sailor is skillfully navigating it through hazardous waters. The figure of speech here emphasizes the complexity and danger of the task, highlighting the importance of expertise and experience in guiding the ship to safety.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "steer the ship" is often used to describe taking charge or being in control of a situation. It can also refer to changing the direction of something in order to achieve a different outcome. In both cases, the idiom conveys a sense of leadership and influence over a particular situation or endeavor.

    Origin of "steer the ship"

    The origin of the idiom "steer the ship" can be traced back to the nautical terminology used on ships. The person responsible for steering the ship, known as the helmsman, has the crucial task of guiding the vessel in the desired direction. This role requires skill and decisiveness, as well as the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Over time, the concept of "steering the ship" has been adopted as a metaphor for taking charge and making decisions in various contexts, not just at sea. The idiom has become a widely understood expression for leadership and influence, reflecting the importance of navigation and direction in both literal and figurative senses.