Here you will learn interesting English expressions and idioms with WIND. Wind is one the confusing words in English that have the same spelling but different meaning.
If you want to improve English to a higher level, you need to be familiar with homographs.
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Expressions and Idioms with Wind
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Today let’s talk about English homographs. What are homographs? Homographs are words that have the same spelling but with two distinct meanings and separateΒ pronunciations.
There are over 160 homographs in the English language.
One of them, for example, is Wind [ΛwΙͺnd] (pronounced wih-nd) – the wind is blowing
and
Wind [ΛwaΙͺnd] (pronounced wy-nd) – the road winds around the mountain
English homographs - Wind and Wind
Wind [ΛwΙͺnd]
Wind [ΛwaΙͺnd]
Expressions and Idioms with Wind
Here we take a closer look at some common expressions and idioms with Wind.
the wind of change
this means that something is happening after a long time
Example:
The Government has been a centre part for several decades. However, the signs now are that a more right-wing party will take control. I can feel the wind of change.
someone is a bit windy
He is not very confident and a bit weak. He will not take up the challenge.
Example:
He is afraid of heights. He will not climb that mountain, he is a bit windy.
blowing in the wind
there are rumours about that something will change
Example:
People are talking about it. It is in the air, it is blowing in the wind.
it is an ill wind
if something bad happens,
normally there’s something good for somebody else
We can use this phrase when someone can benefit from another’s misfortune, thereby a positive outcome occurs. Good for some.
It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. – the first use of this phrase was recorded in 1546.
Example:
I made lots of mistakes in my exam but I learnt a lot by making those mistakes, it’s an ill wind.
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon
INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
English Expressions and Idioms with Wind
a straw in the wind
an incident, event, statement, etc that indicates how the future might develop
Example:
People’s reaction can be regarded as a straw in the wind. There are definitely some major changes ahead.
to wind someone up [ΛwaΙͺnd]Β
We use this expression when we want to trick/fool someone. If weΒ know that a friend or colleague gets annoyed easily by something we wind him up.
Example:
It was only when we were leaving the club that we told him we were only winding him up.Β
to wind down [ΛwaΙͺnd]Β
to slow down or to begin to stop.
Example:
It is a holiday this weekend so people will begin to wind down their work on Friday.
to wind the clock[ΛwaΙͺnd]
When the old clocks stopped working we had a special key we used toΒ wind the clock to get it to work again.
Example:
‘Wind the clock, please,’ were Grandma’s first words when we entered the house.
English Expressions and Idioms with Wind
get the wind-up
Meaning: to become afraid
Example:
He got the wind-up when he saw they were after him.
take the wind out of someone’s sails
Meaning: to put a sudden end to someone’s over-confidence
Example:
One simple question took the wind out of his sails.
go like the wind
Meaning: to move very fast and smoothly (a car, a fast athlete, etc)
Example:
If you would like to order a cake, please be quick as they will go like the wind.
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15 Common Collocations with Wind
the wind blows
Example: A northerly wind blows from the north to the south.Β
the wind changes
Example: The wind suddenly changed direction and started to blow from the west.
the wind gets up
Example: When the winds get up, the kites come out.
the wind drops
Example: The wind dropped in the afternoon, and the weather became quite warm.
the wind dies down
Example: Gradually, the wind died down, and the clouds brightened.
the wind whistles
Example: You could hear the wind whistles through the small gaps in the door.
to cycle into the wind
Example: Heading north is tricky, as you’ll have to cycle into the wind.
Useful Collocations with Wind
to sail into the wind
Example: The ferry was 2 hours late, it was very difficult to sail into the wind.
to shelter from the wind
Example: I’m getting cold, let’s shelter form the wind in that shop.
strong winds
Example: Airports are currently closed due to expected strong winds at midday.
high winds
Example: High winds last night caused serious damage to our roof.
an icy wind
Example: The icy wind cut right through me.
bitter winds
Example: Their hands froze; bitter winds cut through their cotton clothes.Β
a light wind
Example: A light wind is the most favourable for fishing.
a breath of wind
Example: It was absolutely still. There wasn’t a breath of wind.
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More Information
For more information on English grammar rules, English idiomatic expressions and English phrasal verbs, check out the following links:
English Adjectives ending in ED and ING
12 English Idioms related to Communication
Free material is always available on BBC Learning English.Β
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