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to sail close to the wind
01
nearly opposite to the direction from which wind is coming
02
to do something that is dangerous, improper, or possibly illegal
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "sail close to the wind" and when to use it?
The idiom "sail close to the wind" has nautical origins and refers to a sailing technique where a ship sails as closely as possible to the direction of the wind without the sails luffing or flapping. Figuratively, it is used to describe behavior or actions that push the limits of acceptability, rules, or safety, often involving a degree of risk.
Examples
His frequent late arrivals at work sail close to the wind of the company's punctuality policy.
