ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wind at one's back

idiom
Meaning

Forward momentum; a boost in one's prospects for success due to favorable events or circumstances.


Examples
SIMPLE

With the new promotion, she has the wind at her back.

CONTEXTUAL

The team finally has the wind at its back after securing a major investment for the project.

COMPLEX

With public opinion shifting in their favor and the economy improving, the candidates felt they had the wind at their back as they entered the final weeks of the campaign.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026