ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get wind of

idiom
Meaning

To hear about; to learn of, especially with respect to facts intended to have been kept confidential or secret.


Examples
SIMPLE

The boss got wind of the secret plan.

CONTEXTUAL

If the manager gets wind of our surprise party, the whole plan will be ruined.

COMPLEX

The rival company eventually got wind of the confidential merger negotiations, forcing the board to issue an immediate public statement to calm the shareholders.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  3. 03

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  4. 04

    break wind

    To expel gases generated during digestion, especially through the anus; to fart.

  5. 05

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

    candle in the wind

    A fragile or vulnerable thing, likely to be put in jeopardy.

  7. 07

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  8. 08

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

Last updated April 17, 2026