Splice the main brace

During the 17th century, this became a standard order in the Royal Navy for an extra ration of rum to be issued to the crew for any job well done, a victory etc. The main braces were the large, heavy ropes holding the main yards. The main braces on HMS Victory, for example, were five inches thick. Splicing such ropes was one of the toughest tasks on a sailing ship and when it was done, an extra rum ration usually ensued. Although rum rations have been abolished in the navy, the order to splice the main brace and give the men a drink is still issued in the Royal Navy on special occasions to this day. Since the 19th century, the British public at large have adopted the expression, which now means simply to have a drink.