IdiomNature
English
Englishblow a gale
Meaning: Of the wind: to blow extremely hard.
Example: “It was blowing a gale on the ferry, and half the passengers were seasick.”
Origin: Nautical English. "Gale" for a strong wind is recorded from the mid-16th century, and sailors ranked winds from a "moderate" to a "whole" gale.
Equivalents in other languages
Danish: Det blæser en halv pelikan Literally: It's blowing half a pelican
French: Un vent à décorner les bœufs Literally: A wind to dehorn the oxen
More English idioms
- drunk as a skunk Extremely drunk.
- know someone in the biblical sense To have had sex with someone.
- in one's birthday suit Completely naked.
- a last stand A final, determined effort to resist, usually when defeat is likely.
- you could hear a pin drop It was completely silent.
- just to be on the safe side As an extra precaution, even if it is probably unnecessary.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Avoir un poil dans la main To be incurably lazy.
- Tête de linotte A scatterbrain who can't hold a thought.
- Courir sur le haricot To get badly on someone's nerves.
Keep exploring