By The Board

The phrase “by the board” carries a weight of finality, suggesting complete loss or abandonment. While it may seem simple at first glance, its origins are deeply rooted in maritime history, evolving from a literal description of nautical disaster to a powerful figurative expression used in literature and everyday language. Understanding its historical context and literary applications unlocks a richer appreciation for its enduring presence in our vocabulary.

What Does “By The Board” Mean?

At its most basic, “by the board” means to be thrown overboard from a ship. Historically, it referred to equipment, cargo, or even parts of the ship itself being jettisoned, often to lighten the load during a storm or to prevent a complete capsizing. However, the phrase quickly expanded beyond its literal meaning. Today, “by the board” signifies that something has been completely discarded, abandoned, or lost—often irrevocably. It can refer to plans, opportunities, possessions, or even principles. The implication is not merely loss, but a decisive, often forceful, act of letting go.

Origin of “By The Board”

The phrase’s genesis lies firmly within the world of sailing. In the 17th century, “by the board” was standard nautical terminology describing items being thrown overboard. Ships faced constant threats from storms, battles, and the sheer weight of their cargo. To survive, sailors sometimes had to make difficult choices, sacrificing possessions—and parts of the vessel—to increase their chances of survival. The “board” itself refers to the deck or side of the ship, the point from which things were cast into the sea.

One of the earliest documented uses appears in John Taylor’s Works, published in 1603, demonstrating its established presence in nautical language. The transition to figurative use began in the mid-19th century, broadening its application beyond the sea. For instance, in 1861, The Gettysburg Republican Compiler wrote of banks that would “go by the board” if they did not resume operations, using the phrase to indicate financial ruin. This illustrates its adaptation to represent a wider range of failures and losses.

Analysis of “By The Board” in Literature

The power of “by the board” lies in its ability to evoke a sense of finality and loss with concise imagery. Its nautical roots imbue it with drama and urgency, even when used in non-nautical contexts. Writers often employ the phrase to emphasize the irreversible nature of a situation or to highlight the consequences of a decision.

Example #1: Fiona Apple – “O’ Sailor”

O’ sailor why’d you do it
What’d you do that for
Saying there’s nothing to it
And then letting it go by the boards
O’ sailor

In Fiona Apple’s song “O’ Sailor,” the phrase isn’t just about physical loss; it represents emotional abandonment. The repetition of “O’ Sailor” creates a mournful tone, intensifying the sense of loss. Letting something “go by the boards” signals the singer’s belief that the sailor has carelessly discarded a valuable relationship or shared dream.

Example #2: Captain Darby – The Naval Chronicle

It was very dark and rainy; we could not see the damage the mast had taken until the next morning. When we found the main mast entirely gone, we realized it had only supported two of its pieces, which had partly shattered. The cap, top, and main shrouds still clung to the mast, leading us to believe the mast would be lost within minutes. The decks were covered entirely with chips and splinters of the masts.

This excerpt vividly illustrates the literal meaning of the phrase. The impending loss of the mast is not just a structural failure; it threatens the entire ship and its crew. The description of chips and splinters paints a dramatic picture of destruction, reinforcing the finality of the loss.

Example #3: Oliver Warner – Nelson’s Battles

At last we saw three lower masts destroyed by cannon fire; they had been shot through below the deck, taking their crews with them. The crew was then ordered, together with the second lieutenant, to board the vessel. They cheered and in a short time secured the ship. We found the gallant Admiral Magon killed at the foot of the poop, and the captain dangerously wounded. Of the eight lieutenants, five were killed, with about three hundred petty officers and seamen wounded.

Here, “go by the board” describes a catastrophic loss during naval combat. The masts are not merely damaged; they are utterly destroyed, taking their crews with them. The phrase highlights the brutal reality of war and the irreversible consequences of battle.

Example #4: Gene A. Budig & Don Walton – George Norris, Going Home

The voice of the people had been raised against all that Norris stood for, against all that he had labored for and endured. That’s what he feared: all the progress that had been hammered out through the sweat and tears of forty years of social struggle might go by the board. Were the people ready to discard progress, to turn their backs on it just when they need it most?

In this passage, “go by the board” is used metaphorically to represent the potential loss of social progress. Norris fears that years of hard work and dedication could be wasted if the people reject his ideals. The phrase conveys a sense of vulnerability and the precariousness of social change.

Beyond Literature: Expanding the Understanding

The phrase “by the board” isn’t limited to literary contexts. It can be applied to a variety of situations. Consider these examples:

He looked at the masts going by the board and turned to his crew in alarm. He knew they were all going to die and he was going to do all he could to save as many lives as he could.
The ship couldn’t survive the fires set by the enemy, and everything on board started going by the board.
The captain looked at his crew in triumph, knowing that they had won the war as they watched everything on the ship opposite to their going by the board.
As he received the call from his manager, he realized that all his efforts and hard work had gone overboard.
It is sad when people give up and let everything go by the board, instead of trying harder. Giving up should never be an option.

In each of these instances, the phrase emphasizes a complete and irreversible loss. Understanding its historical roots and literary applications allows for a richer appreciation of its power and versatility.

Ultimately, “by the board” is more than just a phrase; it’s a potent symbol of loss, abandonment, and the fleeting nature of existence. Its enduring presence in literature and everyday language is a testament to its evocative power and its ability to resonate with our shared human experience.