In response to the order, the phrase "anchors aweigh" reports back that all anchors are clear of the sea bottom; therefore the ship is officially under way. "Anchors aweigh" is often misspelled as "Anchor's away", leading to confusing the terms, and sometimes misunderstanding the order as meaning "to drop anchor".

The word "Aweigh" is from the old English "Woeg" to raise. Anchor Clear: The anchor is reported clear or foul as soon as it is entirely sighted. To be clear the anchor must be hanging from its ring and clear of its own cable and of any obstruction such as a bight of the rope or chain picked up from the bottom.

The term "anchor aweigh" (and not "anchors away") is used by sailors to report to the captain that the boat anchor has cleared the sea bottom and the vessel can begin its journey.