high seas

plural noun

1. (sometimes singular) the open seas of the world, outside the jurisdiction of any one nation

Idioms and Phrases

Open waters of an ocean or sea, beyond the territorial jurisdiction of a country. For example, Commercial fishermen are being forced to go out on the high seas in order to make a living. [c. 1100]

Example Sentences

They are murdering civilians on the high seas on the president’s order.

From Salon

Three years ago countries agreed that 30% of the world's national and international waters - high seas - must be protected by 2030 to help depleted marine life recover.

From BBC

Nor does the right to life change depending on whether killings took place in territorial waters or on the high seas.

From Salon

There are limited exceptions to this which allow a state to seize a ship, such as a "hot pursuit" where a vessel is chased from a country's waters into the high seas.

From BBC

Novicki frequently tours with him, bringing those humble beginnings to larger audiences than they ever imagined, including taking their act to the high seas on the Nateland cruise this February.

From Los Angeles Times