lay an anchor to the windward
To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I saved extra money to lay an anchor to the windward.”
“She accepted the secondary job offer to lay an anchor to the windward in case her main project failed.”
“By diversifying his investments during the period of economic stability, he effectively laid an anchor to the windward against the possibility of a future market downturn.”
- 01
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
bring one's arse to an anchor
To sit down.
- 04
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.
- 05
lay a finger on
To merely touch.
- 06
lay an egg
To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.
- 07
lay at someone's door
To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).
- 08
lay by the heels
To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
Last updated August 10, 2026