Understanding the Idiom: "Give it the Deep Six"
Have you ever had an old piece of furniture, a bad habit, or a project that just wasn't working out, and you decided it was time to get rid of it for good? In English, we have a colorful way to describe this action: give it the deep six. While it might sound like a secret code or a nautical term, it is actually a common idiomatic expression used to mean that you are discarding, rejecting, or permanently ending something.
What Does "Give It the Deep Six" Mean?
At its core, to give something the deep six is to toss it out. It carries a sense of finality—you aren't just putting something away for later; you are getting rid of it with the intention that it will not return. Because of its slightly dramatic flair, it is often used when someone is cleaning out clutter, ending a process, or rejecting an idea that is no longer useful.
Usage and Origins
The term likely originates from nautical slang. Sailors used to measure the depth of the water using a weighted line marked in "fathoms." Six fathoms (36 feet) was considered deep enough to bury an object at sea, ensuring it would stay at the bottom and out of sight. Over time, the phrase evolved from a literal measurement to a figurative way of saying "bury it" or "throw it away."
Grammar and Patterns
The phrase is almost always used as a transitive verb phrase. You must include an object (the "it") that is being discarded. Here are the common patterns you will encounter:
- Give [something] the deep six: "I decided to give that old sweater the deep six."
- Give the deep six to [something]: "It is time we give the deep six to this outdated marketing strategy."
Example Sentences
- The company decided to give the deep six to the project after it failed to show any profit for three consecutive quarters.
- I found a box of old documents in the attic and decided to give them the deep six.
- If that new software continues to crash our computers, we should just give it the deep six and find a better alternative.
- He finally gave his old, rusty car the deep six and bought something more reliable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Because this is a specific idiom, learners often make a few predictable errors. Keep these in mind to sound more natural:
- Don't drop the article: You must always include "the" before "deep six." It is not "give it deep six"; it is "give it the deep six."
- Don't use it for people: While you might be frustrated with a person, "giving them the deep six" sounds aggressive and implies a permanent, cold removal. It is best reserved for inanimate objects, ideas, or abstract concepts like policies or plans.
- Avoid formal writing: This is a colloquial expression. It is perfect for casual conversation or creative writing, but you should avoid using it in formal business reports or academic essays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "give it the deep six" considered slang?
Yes, it is considered idiomatic slang. It is well-known to native speakers, but it is not appropriate for professional or highly formal contexts.
Can I use this phrase to talk about people?
Technically, you could, but it sounds very harsh and suggests a total, unforgiving social cut-off. It is much more common to use it for things like plans, old clothes, or broken equipment.
Is there a difference between "give it the deep six" and "toss it"?
Yes. "Toss it" is a simple, everyday verb. "Give it the deep six" has more character and implies that you are making a firm decision to remove something permanently from your life or workflow.
What is a good synonym for this phrase?
Depending on the context, you could use "get rid of," "ditch," "scrap," "discard," or "bin."
Conclusion
Adding give it the deep six to your vocabulary is a great way to make your English sound more natural and expressive. Whether you are decluttering your home or abandoning a bad plan, this idiom perfectly captures the feeling of saying "goodbye" to something for good. Try using it next time you decide to throw away something you no longer need, and you will find it fits perfectly into casual conversation.