Idiom idiom
get wind of something
Meaning
Hear news of something secret
Examples
“I hope the boss doesn't get wind of our surprise party.”
“The company tried to keep the merger secret, but the local newspapers soon got wind of the deal.”
“Once the rival firm got wind of the new technology being developed, they immediately increased their own research budget to stay competitive.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
From hunting: animals scent danger carried on the wind; the figurative sense (to hear a rumour) parallels the French 'avoir vent de'.
Last updated June 7, 2026