the wind beneath her wings

Definitions

• provide support and encouragement
  To describe someone who offers great support, encouragement, or inspiration to another person, enabling them to achieve their goals or reach their potential

• play a secondary but crucial role
  To signify someone or something that may not be in the spotlight but plays a vital role in the success or well-being of another person or group

Examples of the wind beneath her wings

• Her husband was the wind beneath her wings in her early days of building her business.

  This idiom means that her husband provided the support that she needed to succeed in the beginning stages of her business. It represents the important role that he played in helping her to spread her wings and fly.

• The coach was the wind beneath her wings as she worked hard to improve her athletic abilities.

  This idiom refers to the person who helps someone to achieve their potential. The coach encouraged and supported her throughout her training, which allowed her to gain the confidence she needed to succeed.

• She was the wind beneath his wings as he pursued his dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

  This idiom is often used when referring to a romantic partner. In this case, she was there to support him as he worked hard to build his business, just as her partner supports her in her endeavors.

• The teachers were the wind beneath their wings as they helped the students to soar academically.

  This idiom refers to the people who provide support and encouragement to help others reach their full potential. In this example, the teachers were instrumental in helping the students to excel academically.

• She couldn't have achieved all of her goals without the support and encouragement of her loved ones, who are truly the wind beneath her wings.

  This idiom is used to imply that a person has been significantly helped and motivated by other people, who have provided them with the necessary emotional and psychological lift to soar. Here, it is being used to express gratitude towards the people who have backed and aided someone in their journey towards success.

• His determination and hard work alone wouldn't have gotten him this far; it's the wind beneath his wings that enabled him to overcome some of the most daunting obstacles.

  This illustrates the vital role that supportive people play in achieving one's ambitions, which augments their individual effort to attain their objectives. The idea behind this idiom is that, just as birds require the wind to fly, similarly, individuals need others to provide them with the required impetus to succeed.

• Throughout her career, she had her spouse's unwavering faith and trust, which were the wind beneath her wings that kept her afloat during stormy times.

  This idiom evokes the idea that there are forces besides one's own that can drive a person to success, and the importance of recognizing and acknowledging them. This metaphorical usage delineates the significant support and encouragement of the people behind an individual's accomplishment.

• Her boss's advice and guidance were the wind beneath her wings that enabled her to navigate the complexities of the corporate world.

  This example highlights the role of mentors and leaders in the lives of individuals, who can provide invaluable advice and support that can significantly aid them in fulfilling their aspirations. The usage of the idiom here stresses the importance of recognizing one's benefactors and acknowledging the essential role they play in one's success.

Conclusion

"The wind beneath her wings" is a metaphorical expression that highlights the importance of support, encouragement, and the role of unsung heroes in the success of individuals or groups. It conveys the idea that behind every successful person, there are often individuals or factors that provide the necessary support, guidance, or inspiration. This idiom emphasizes the significance of recognizing and appreciating those who contribute to our achievements, even if they are not always visible or recognized publicly.

In everyday conversations, this idiom can be used to acknowledge the impact of supportive individuals or factors in someone's life, to express gratitude for their role in success, or to inspire others to recognize and appreciate the support they receive from others.

Origin of "the wind beneath her wings"

The origin of the idiom "the wind beneath her wings" can be traced back to the popular song "Wind Beneath My Wings" performed by Bette Midler in the 1988 film "Beaches." The song became a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for the unsung heroes in our lives who provide unwavering support and encouragement. The lyrics of the song describe the role of someone who is like the wind beneath the singer's wings, lifting them up and helping them soar to new heights.

Since then, the idiom has been used in various contexts to convey the idea of essential support and encouragement. It has become a well-known expression for acknowledging the vital role of those who stand behind us, propelling us forward and enabling us to achieve our dreams and aspirations. The imagery of the wind beneath one's wings continues to resonate with people as a powerful symbol of the support and inspiration that help us navigate life's challenges and reach our full potential.