Flank speed” refers to the fastest possible speed that a naval vessel can travel. When a ship is ordered to go at “flank speed,” it means it should operate at its maximum capability, pushing engines and propulsion systems to their limit in order to move as quickly as possible. This term is commonly used in naval contexts, but over time, it has been adopted metaphorically in everyday language to mean “going full throttle” or putting in maximum effort in any situation.
The Naval Origins of “Flank Speed”
The term “flank speed” has its origins in the maritime world, specifically the navy. To understand this term, it’s helpful to break it down:
- Flank – In naval terminology, the “flanks” refer to the sides of a ship. Ships, especially those in battle, often traveled in formations, and the term “flank” referred to the outermost areas of a fleet’s formation.
- Speed – This simply refers to the rate at which a ship moves.
Combining these two terms, “flank speed” came to describe the maximum speed a ship could achieve, typically on the outer edge or “flanks” of a naval formation, where ships had the freedom to maneuver without being constrained by the vessels around them. The idea was that the flank positions could move independently at the fastest possible speed in order to outpace enemies or reposition for strategic advantage.
The Military Influence on “Flank Speed”
The military context helped cement the term “flank speed” in the lexicon of naval operations. It’s important to understand that ships in a fleet didn’t always travel at the same speed. Some ships were designed to move faster than others, and there was always a need to determine the maximum speed that could be reached while still maintaining formation and operational efficiency.
Historically, ships in battle fleets would often be ordered to move at “flank speed” during critical moments of combat, or when engaging an enemy vessel. The order was given when it was necessary to reach the maximum possible speed to escape danger, catch an enemy ship, or gain a tactical advantage in a battle. As technology advanced, with more powerful engines and faster ships, the notion of “flank speed” became synonymous with pushing the ship to its absolute limit.
How “Flank Speed” Became Part of Everyday Language
While “flank speed” originated in naval operations, it didn’t take long for the term to be adopted outside of military and naval contexts. Its metaphorical use spread to describe any situation where someone or something was operating at full capacity or maximum effort.
For example:
- In business, a company might say they are moving at “flank speed” when they are ramping up operations, launching a new product, or pushing for a major milestone.
- In sports, athletes or teams might use the term to describe a period of intense effort or pushing for a final surge of performance.
- In casual conversation, someone might say they’re “going at flank speed” when they are working hard to meet a deadline or dealing with a particularly demanding situation.
The metaphorical application of “flank speed” became popular because it conveys a sense of urgency and maximum effort, making it an effective way to describe situations where everything is being done at full throttle.
Evolution of the Phrase
While the term has military roots, it is now widespread in the vernacular. It’s especially popular in movies, books, and TV shows, where it’s often used to add drama to scenes involving intense action or urgency. In fact, one of the places where you might hear it most often is in adventure or military-themed films, where commanders yell for “flank speed” when they’re preparing for battle or attempting to escape danger.
In everyday life, “flank speed” can refer to anything from speeding up a project at work to a personal commitment to achieving something important, like hitting the gym, making a deadline, or simply giving your all in any situation.
The expression “flank speed” has come a long way from its naval roots, where it described the fastest possible speed of a ship in a fleet. With its origin tied to military and maritime strategy, the phrase now carries with it a sense of urgency, maximum effort, and full-throttle determination that resonates in various aspects of modern life.
Next time you hear someone say they’re going at “flank speed,” you’ll know that it’s more than just a nautical term—it’s a metaphor for pushing oneself to the limit, achieving great things, and going full speed ahead in pursuit of a goal.
