have the wind at one's back

/hav ðə wˈɪnd at wˈɒnz bˈak/

/hæv ðə wˈɪnd æt wˈʌnz bˈæk/

[phrase]

to have the wind at one's back

[PHRASE]

to have favorable conditions or circumstances that support or propel one's progress or success

to [have] the wind at {one's} back definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have the wind at one's back" and when to use it?

The idiom "have the wind at one's back" comes from nautical terminology and refers to the wind being behind a ship, making it easier to sail. The idiom means having favorable conditions or circumstances that make it easier to achieve a goal or succeed, beyond just sailing.The usage of this idiom has since expanded beyond its original nautical context and can now refer to any situation where someone has favorable conditions or circumstances working in their favor, making it easier to achieve a goal or succeed in a particular endeavor.

Examples

1. The president has the wind at his back on this issue.

2. Compare that to Putin, who is a killer, who does have the wind at his back.

3. He does have the wind at his back.

4. And so, I think we have the wind at our back in terms of encouraging people to eat lower down on the food chain.

Nearby words

have the world at feet