1
general::
Phrase(s): sail into someone or something
1. to crash into someone or something with a boat or ship. • The boat sailed into the dock, causing considerable damage. • I was in my skiff when a larger boat sailed into me. 2. to crash into someone or something. • The missile sailed into the soldiers, injuring a few. • The car sailed into the lamppost., Phrase(s): sail into someone
Fig. to attack someone; to chastise someone. (Based on sail into someone or something.) • The angry coach sailed into the players. • The teacher sailed into Timmy for breaking the window.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Attack or criticize vigorously, as in It was part of his technique to sail into the sales force at the start of their end-of-the-year meeting. This term derives from sail in the sense of "move vigorously." [Mid1800s]
American Heritage Idioms