get wind of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get wind of’ mean?
The idiom "get wind of" means to hear or learn about something, often through rumors or indirect sources. It implies becoming aware of information that was previously unknown or secret.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "word on the wire" refers to information or rumors that are being passed around, especially through unofficial or informal channels. It suggests that the information is not widely known or confirmed, and may be based on hearsay or gossip.
The idiom "hear things" means to become aware of rumors or gossip that may or may not be true.
Hear things is a commonly used idiom in everyday American English. It is often used to express the idea of hearing information or rumors that may be questionable or unverified. The speaker has heard something, but they don't necessarily believe it to be true or reliable.
The idiom "guess what" is used to introduce or emphasize surprising or unexpected information or news.
The idiom "go with the wind" means to be unpredictable or easily swayed by circumstances, lacking firmness or commitment.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
One of the most iconic idioms in the English language is "gone with the wind." The origin of this idiomatic expression can be traced back to Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, "Gone with the Wind," which was later adapted into a highly successful film in 1939.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "get wind" is a commonly used expression in English that means to become aware or informed about something, usually news or information that was previously unknown. It has been in use since at least the 18th century, as seen in literary works from that era.
The idiom "get wet" means to be exposed to or experience something new or unfamiliar, often in a difficult or challenging way. It implies facing a novel situation that may be uncomfortable or outside one's comfort zone.
"Get the word out" is an idiomatic phrase that means to spread information or news to a larger audience or group of people.
The idiom "get the wind up" means to become scared or anxious about something. It originated from the idea of sailors feeling anxious when the wind was against them and making it difficult for their ship to sail. This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express a sense of fear or uneasiness.
Gaining Insight Through Rumors
The precise origin of the idiom "get wind of" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the nautical practice of sailors using wind as a means of gathering information. The phrase likely emerged during the era of sailing ships when detecting other vessels or approaching danger relied on the ability to sense changes in the wind. When a sailor "got wind," they became aware of something happening nearby, such as the presence of another ship or a change in weather conditions.
Over time, the idiom "get wind of" transitioned from its literal nautical meaning to a more figurative one, referring to the act of discovering or becoming aware of something. In this figurative sense, the "wind" represents information or a rumor, and "getting" it implies the act of acquiring knowledge through indirect means.
In usage, "get wind of" is often used to describe the process of obtaining information that was not intended to be shared or was meant to be kept secret. It suggests the idea of stumbling upon information or hearing about something through unofficial channels, rather than through direct communication or official sources.
The idiom is commonly used in a wide range of contexts, including personal and professional situations. It can be used to describe becoming aware of gossip or rumors, learning about a secret plan or development, or even discovering information about someone's intentions or actions. The idiom carries an implication of surprise or unexpectedness, suggesting that the information obtained was not easily accessible or readily available.
Another related idiom is "get wind," which shares a similar meaning to "get wind of." It refers to the act of becoming aware of something, often through informal means. However, "get wind" does not necessarily imply the same element of surprise or unexpectedness as "get wind of." It can be used to simply describe the act of hearing or learning about something, without conveying the notion of unintentional discovery.
Similarly, the idiom "hear things" can be used interchangeably with "get wind of" to describe the process of acquiring information or rumors through unofficial channels. It emphasizes the act of listening or hearing about something, suggesting a sense of eavesdropping or overhearing conversations.
Another related idiom is "get the wind up," which carries a different connotation than "get wind of." While "get wind of" emphasizes the act of becoming aware, "get the wind up" focuses on the emotional response or anxiety that arises from hearing or learning about something. It implies a sense of fear, nervousness, or trepidation associated with the obtained information.
Lastly, the idiom "get wind in one's jaws" refers to someone talking too much or revealing information that they were not supposed to disclose. It suggests that the individual has "caught" or "snagged" the information in their jaws, symbolizing the act of inadvertently sharing details that were meant to be kept secret or confidential.
Overall, the idiom "get wind of" holds a figurative meaning of acquiring information through indirect or unofficial channels. Its origins can be traced back to nautical practices, where "getting wind" meant becoming aware of something happening nearby. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe the act of hearing or learning about something in a way that was not intended or anticipated.
While the exact origins and evolution of the idiom may remain uncertain, its usage and meaning have become firmly established in the English language. The idiom continues to be used in a variety of contexts, providing individuals with a succinct and vivid expression to convey the act of acquiring information through unexpected or unofficial means. The idiom "get wind of" offers a fascinating insight into the linguistic richness and versatility of idiomatic expressions, reminding us of the ever-present potential for discovering new facets of language through exploration and analysis.
Example usage
1. I got wind of a new job opportunity through a friend.
2. The reporter got wind of the scandal and started investigating.
3. We need to be careful, as our competition could get wind of our plans.
More "Information" idioms
