Deep six
Meaning
To dispose of something permanently, often by throwing it into the sea or otherwise getting rid of it.
Origin
The phrase 'deep six' conjures images of clandestine disposal, its roots firmly planted in maritime tradition. The 'six' refers to six fathoms—a significant depth of 36 feet—considered deep enough in the open ocean to ensure that whatever was cast overboard would never trouble the surface again. Whether it was a body, sensitive documents, or unwanted cargo, to 'deep six' something was to commit it to a watery grave from which there was no return. This practice, originally a practical method of disposal at sea, later evolved into a common idiom signifying the permanent and often secretive elimination of anything, from a troublesome plan to a discarded memory.
Examples
- The crew decided to deep six the broken equipment rather than try to repair it.
- After the scandal broke, the company tried to deep six all incriminating documents.