IdiomNature
English
Englishhave the wind in one's sails
Meaning: To be doing well and moving forward with confidence and momentum.
Example: “After winning the first primary, the candidate has the wind in her sails.”
Origin: From sailing: with the wind filling its sails, a boat surges ahead without effort from the crew. Several European languages share the image.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir le vent en poupe Literally: To have the wind at the stern
More English idioms
- put one's foot in it To say something tactless or embarrassing.
- talk behind someone's back To say unkind things about someone when they are not present.
- have pins and needles To feel a prickling, tingling sensation in a limb that has gone numb.
- be on pins and needles To be very anxious while waiting for something.
- make a killing To make a lot of money quickly.
- worm something out of someone To get information from someone gradually and persistently.
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