Damn the torpedoes

Cultural  

1. An exclamation by David Farragut, an officer in the Union navy in the Civil War. Warned of mines, called torpedoes, in the water ahead, Farragut said, “Damn the torpedoes! Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!”

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Example Sentences

Now he directs more than the Central Intelligence Agency Since becoming chief of the CIA last March, Admiral Stansfield Turner has come on like David Farragut at Mobile Bay: Damn the torpedoes!

From Time Magazine Archive

As far as the "Damn the torpedoes" stuff, Admiral Dewey at least had a chance to shoot back and you don't seem to think even a verbal shot is in order.

From Time Magazine Archive

McCarthy, who says he factored a market crash into his plans from the start, may have hit upon the boldest approach to the new global economy: Damn the torpedoes!

From Time Magazine Archive

An immortal phrase, this simple dictum of first mate Hudson of the Betsy, "Out she goes, or down she goes," and not unworthy of being mentioned in the same breath with Farragut's "Damn the torpedoes."

From The Old Merchant Marine; A chronicle of American ships and sailors by Paine, Ralph Delahaye

He replied, "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!"

From Football Days Memories of the Game and of the Men behind the Ball by Edwards, William Hanford