Get wind of something

The phrase Get wind of something is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of Get wind of something.

Meaning of "Get wind of something"

Meaning

The idiom ‘get wind of something’ is used to describe when someone obtains knowledge or hears gossip about something. It usually involves hearing information through unofficial sources that is not officially confirmed or validated, but is commonly shared by many people. It can also refer to when someone has come to learn about an event or development before anyone else.

Etymology

The phrase ‘get wind of something’ originated in the early 1600s and was used to describe when hunters or sailors found out about land or a location with the help of wind. Sailors would follow the wind to get closer to where they wanted to go, and hunters would use the wind’s direction to locate the animal they were hunting. Throughout the centuries, the phrase has been modified and used in different contexts with the same meaning.

Usage

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations and can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is used to describe when someone has obtained information from unofficial sources. It can also be used to describe when someone has come to know or learn about something before anyone else.

Example Sentences

• I heard that Rebecca has been promoted to manager, but I had gotten wind of it weeks ago.
• My neighbor got wind of our plans to buy a new house, and now the whole town knows.
• We managed to get wind of their next move before they announced it publicly.
• The news of his engagement spread quickly once people got wind of it.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.