ɡɛt wɪnd əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ
General
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To catch the scent of something carried by the wind
What does "get wind of something" mean?
- To learn about something, especially a secret or rumor
- To hear about something informally or indirectly
Examples
- If the boss gets wind of what we're planning, we're in trouble.
- I got wind of a possible promotion before the official announcement.
- She got wind of the surprise party and pretended not to know.
Origin
From hunting—animals detect predators or prey by scent carried on the wind. Applied to humans learning information indirectly.
How to use it
Often implies learning secret or unofficial information. Can suggest potential problems if the wrong person finds out.
Similar expressions
hear about
learn of
find out
catch word of
Opposites
remain unaware
be kept in the dark
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get wind of something" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.