The phrase "dropped anchor" refers to the act of stopping a ship from drifting by lowering its anchor to the ocean floor. There are several synonyms for this nautical term, including "cast anchor," "let go the anchor," "set anchor," and "anchor down." All of these phrases describe the same action of securing a ship in place using an anchor. The choice of which synonym to use may depend on the context or personal preference, but they all convey the same meaning. Regardless of the terminology used, dropping anchor is an important maneuver in maritime navigation that helps ensure the safety and stability of ships while at sea.