the first turn of the screw pays all debts
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
One's problems on shore may be forgotten at the first turn of one's ship's propeller.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
On the one hand was Martyn's dictum that the 'first turn of the screw pays all debts';
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “the first turn of the screw pays all debts” mean?
One's problems on shore may be forgotten at the first turn of one's ship's propeller.
Is “the first turn of the screw pays all debts” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.