walk the plank

"Walk the plank" is a phrase that originated during the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. It refers to a form of punishment often depicted in pirate stories and legends. When a pirate captain or crew wanted to punish or execute someone on their ship, they would force the individual to walk along a long wooden plank extending over the edge of the ship and into the water. The person would then be given the choice to jump into the water or face their fate, which was usually drowning or being attacked by sharks. "Walking the plank" is thus a symbolic act of punishment and intimidation associated with pirates and their brutal practices.