Idiom idiom
know which way the wind is blowing
Meaning
Understand the situation (usually negative)
Examples
“He waits to see which way the wind is blowing before choosing.”
“The manager is watching the sales numbers closely to know which way the wind is blowing for the company.”
“Experienced politicians often wait to see which way the wind is blowing before they publicly support a controversial new law or policy.”
Origin
first recorded 16th c. disputed origin
first recorded 16th c. disputed origin
From sailing and weather-lore — reading the wind to anticipate conditions; proverbial in English since at least Heywood's collection (1546).
Last updated June 7, 2026