Sir, – Denis Ranaghan (August 6th) reminds us of how far maritime expressions have entered our everyday language.
My grandfather (himself a retired naval officer) would always refer to “going ashore” whenever he left the house. Likewise, on his return in the evening he would, even in the depths of winter, inquire if the “sun was over the yardarm”. This was our signal to bring him his customary gin and tonic. – Yours, etc,
EDWARD MOXON- BROWNE,
Killaloe, Co Clare.