The old clipper's main-masts creaked in the storm as sailors secured the sails.

To nail one's colours to the mast in that election campaign is to risk alienating undecided voters.

Faced with growing pressure, the committee voted to nail one's colors to the mast and publicly endorse the policy.

By nailing one's colours to the mast, the candidate risked alienating undecided voters but gained the trust of her base.

In the debate, one nailed one's colours to the mast by openly refusing to compromise on the policy.

A good captain never nails one's colours to the mast without first consulting the crew.

The patient reported severe mastalgia that worsened before her period.

As a mastectomee, she decided to join the support group to share her experience.

The patient reported recurrent mastalgias that worsened during her menstrual cycle.

In the ancient manuscript, the mastas were described as guardians of the valley.