Lever l’ancre has two meanings. The first one, used in a maritime context, is very literal. It literally means to “raise the anchor”, in English, “to weigh anchor”. Figuratively, it means “to depart” or “to leave” and can be used in any informal context! Allez, c’est l’heure de lever l’ancre!“Let’s go! It’s time to leave!”
French with Valerie 