wind at one's back - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (2024)

Contents

  • 1 English
    • 1.1 Pronunciation
    • 1.2 Noun
      • 1.2.1 Usage notes

English[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

wind at one's back

  1. (idiomatic) Forward momentum; a boost in one's prospects for success due to favorable events or circ*mstances.
    • 1997 April 7, Andrea Adelson, “Broadening the Appeal of Classical Music Radio”, in New York Times, retrieved 3 July 2015:

      And the Tulsa symphony credits the station with reversing a decline in ticket sales among younger patrons. "We've got the wind at our back," Mr. Cohn said.

    • 2008 April 23, Amy Sullivan, “A Primary with No End”, in Time, retrieved 3 July 2015:

      Most of the rational world . . . foresaw a smooth ride to victory for Democrats. They had, after all, the wind at their backs from the 2006 midterm elections.

    • 2010 December 16, Xan Brooks, “Film: When the alpha nerds kicked ass”, in Guardian, UK, retrieved 3 July 2015:

      Like the cowboys, cavalry men and settlers of old, the new-model nerd has the wind at his back and a kingdom to claim.

Usage notes[edit]

  • Found in a variant form in the traditional Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you;
May the wind always be at your back.
wind at one's back - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (2024)
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