Get wind of something

Definitions

• become aware of something
  To receive information or news, often in a secretive or indirect manner, about something before it is officially announced or widely known

• suspect that something is happening
  To have a hunch or intuition about something, often without any concrete evidence or proof

• discover a secret
  To uncover or reveal a hidden or unknown fact or information

Examples of Get wind of something

• The company's competitors suddenly got wind of their new product and started launching similar products in the market.

  This idiom means to learn or find out about something, especially before it becomes widely known. In this example, the competitors discovered or found out about the new product of the company before it was officially announced or released in the market.

Conclusion

The idiom "get wind of something" has multiple meanings, all related to gaining knowledge or information about something. It can mean to become aware of something, to have a suspicion about something, or to discover a secret.

This idiom is often used to describe receiving information in a secretive or indirect manner, suggesting that the source of the information may not be trustworthy or reliable. It can also convey a sense of surprise or unexpectedness, as if the information was unexpected or came out of nowhere.

In some contexts, this idiom can also have a negative connotation, implying that the information received is potentially harmful or damaging. However, it can also be used in a neutral or positive sense, simply describing the act of gaining knowledge about something.

Origin of "Get wind of something"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century. The use of the word "wind" in this idiom may come from the idea of a scent or smell carrying news from a distant place, similar to how the wind can carry scents.

Another theory suggests that the word "wind" in this idiom may come from the nautical term "to get wind of," which means to have a favorable wind for sailing. This could connect to the idea of receiving information that allows one to move forward or make progress in a situation.

Overall, the origin of this idiom remains a mystery, but its usage has evolved over time to convey the act of gaining knowledge or information in a secretive or unexpected manner.