wind at one's back

wind at one's back

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Noun

wind at one's back

1. (idiomatic) Forward momentum; a boost in one's prospects for success due to favorable events or circumstances.
   • 1997 April 7, Andrea Adelson, "Broadening the Appeal of Classical Music Radio," New York Times (retrieved 3 July 2015):

     And the Tulsa symphony credits the station with reversing a decline in ticket sales among younger patrons. "We've got the wind at our back," Mr. Cohn said.

   • 2008 April 23, Amy Sullivan, "A Primary with No End," Time (retrieved 3 July 2015):

     Most of the rational world . . . foresaw a smooth ride to victory for Democrats. They had, after all, the wind at their backs from the 2006 midterm elections.

   • 2010 Dec. 16, Xan Brooks, "Film: When the alpha nerds kicked ass," Guardian (UK) (retrieved 3 July 2015):

     Like the cowboys, cavalry men and settlers of old, the new-model nerd has the wind at his back and a kingdom to claim.

Usage notes

• Found in a variant form in the traditional Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you;

May the wind always be at your back.