What does "give the word" mean? Is it a common expression?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
"Say/give the word" is a casual expression meaning to give an order/tell someone to do something. "Seas would rise when I gave the word" here can be understood as "seas would rise when I gave the order." Ex: If you want to leave the party, just say the word. Ex: Give the word and I'll come help you.