There are many versions of this saying but the nautical version refers to yards (yardarms) being left cocked up or not straight and in a seaman like manner.Sometimes yardarms would need to be moved out of the way quickly so as not to clash with other vessels or buildings when in harbour. The quickest way was to pull on the brace so as to cock the yard out of the way. Left too late made it a "cock up".
By SailingQuiz November 2019 Category: Nautical Saying
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Definition of the nautical phrase "A cock up".
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