This idiom describes fleeing or abandoning a situation hastily to avoid trouble, as if cutting anchor ropes to let a ship run with the wind. It conveys retreat or cowardice, often used in personal, professional, or strategic contexts to depict quick escape. The phrase carries a tone of urgency, pragmatism, or disapproval, reflecting cultural values of commitment and the human tendency to flee danger. Its nautical imagery evokes a desperate departure, resonating in scenarios like crises or conflicts. The idiom suggests evasion, making it a vivid metaphor for hasty retreat.

The phrase originated in 18th-century Britain, tied to naval tactics where ships cut anchor cables to flee enemies, as noted in maritime logs. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The London Gazette* (1704), for naval maneuvers. The idiom gained metaphorical traction in the 19th century, with *The Times* using it for political retreats. Its spread was amplified by adventure literature, notably in Robert Louis Stevenson’s *Treasure Island* (1883). Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its dynamic imagery and applicability to avoidance.