get the wind up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get the wind up’ mean?
The idiom "get the wind up" means to become scared or anxious about something. It originated from the idea of sailors feeling anxious when the wind was against them and making it difficult for their ship to sail. This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express a sense of fear or uneasiness.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "have the wind up" means to feel anxious or afraid. It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing fear or uneasiness about a particular situation.
The idiom "go with the wind" means to be unpredictable or easily swayed by circumstances, lacking firmness or commitment.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
The idiom "get wind of" means to hear or learn about something, often through rumors or indirect sources. It implies becoming aware of information that was previously unknown or secret.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "get wet" means to be exposed to or experience something new or unfamiliar, often in a difficult or challenging way. It implies facing a novel situation that may be uncomfortable or outside one's comfort zone.
The idiom "get up the yard" means to become angry or annoyed. It is commonly used to describe someone who becomes frustrated or irritated.
The idiom "get up on the wrong side of the bed" means to start the day feeling irritable or in a bad mood for no apparent reason.
Origins Unveiled
The meaning of "get the wind up" is to become frightened or anxious. The idiom conveys a sense of unease and apprehension, as if one is being pursued or threatened by something. It suggests a sudden feeling of fear or panic, often as a result of a particular event or situation.
The idiom's literal meaning is based on the association between wind and fear. In sailing, when a ship is confronted with a strong headwind or gusts, it can cause the sails to flutter or become disorganized. This creates a sense of alarm and anxiety among the crew members as they struggle to regain control. Similarly, the idiom suggests that a person's emotions can be similarly unsettled and disturbed.
It is often used in conversations among friends or acquaintances to express feelings of alarm or concern. For example, someone might say, "The thought of speaking in public really gets the wind up for me," to convey their anxiety about public speaking. Similarly, someone might say, "The news about the upcoming layoffs really got the wind up for everyone in the office," to describe the widespread fear and worry among colleagues.
It is interesting to note that the idiom "get the wind up" is not commonly used in American English. Instead, Americans are more likely to use the idiom "get wind of something," which means to hear or learn about something (often secret or confidential) through unofficial channels.
The idiom "have the wind up" is a variation of "get the wind up." It has a similar meaning and is used interchangeably in informal contexts. For example, someone might say, "I have the wind up about the upcoming exam," to express their anxiety and fear.
Another related idiom is "get wind," which means to become aware of or suspect something. It is often used in situations where someone hears a rumor or gains information about a particular event or situation. For example, someone might say, "I got wind of a new job opening at a company I'm interested in," to indicate that they learned about the job opportunity.
While "get the wind up" is less prevalent in American English, it still conveys a universal sense of unease and panic. Its usage adds color and depth to everyday conversations, allowing speakers to express their anxieties and concerns in a vivid and evocative manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *get the wind up* can be used in a sentence:
- After hearing strange noises at night, she couldn't sleep and got the wind up about burglars.
- He got the wind up when he realized he had forgotten his passport just hours before his flight.
- The teacher's strict reputation got the wind up in the students, who were anxious about their upcoming exam.
More "Fear" idioms
