Davy Jones's locker

American  

[john-ziz, johnz] / ˈdʒoʊn zɪz, dʒoʊnz /

noun

1. the ocean's bottom, especially when regarded as the grave of all who perish at sea.

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Davy Jones's Locker Cultural  

1. Sailors'slang for the bottom of the ocean. Someone drowned at sea may be said to have “gone down to Davy Jones's Locker.”

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Davy Jones's locker Idioms  

1. Also, Davy's locker. The bottom of the sea, especially the grave of those who die at sea. For example, Caught out at sea during the hurricane, they thought they were heading for Davy Jones's locker. This term, first recorded in 1726, alludes to Davy Jones, a name given to the evil spirit of the sea. The ultimate origin of both Davy and Jones is disputed. A logical theory is that Jones referred to the biblical Jonah who was swallowed by a whale, and Davy was a corruption of a West Indian word for “devil.”

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Etymology

Origin of Davy Jones's locker

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Mr Sherborne said on Thursday it was a "shame" that messages where "lying at the bottom of the sea in Davy Jones's locker".

From BBC • May 13, 2022

What you see here is a Brazilian maniac dropping into the tsunami-manifestation of Davy Jones's locker, and somehow living not only tell the tale, but also accept to an award for it.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 30, 2018

Like everybody else, scientists have long wanted to know what Davy Jones's locker holds, besides sunken ships.

From Time Magazine Archive

It would be Davy Jones's locker for Master Roy and his friend Mr. Izzard unless some fatherly fisherman took them and their boat in hand.

From The Story of Louie by Onions, Oliver [pseud.]

Well, we got within reach of England when the wind began to blow, and before I could hitch myself up with a marling-spike, every man Jack of us was ready for Davy Jones's locker!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 101, October 3, 1891 by Various

Related Words

• expanse
• lake
• ocean
• pond
• surf