which way the wind blows

which way the wind blows

What appears probable or likely; how a certain course or situation is likely to develop. The politician is waiting to see which way the wind blows regarding public opinion on the issue before deciding how to take action. It looks like I might be considered for the job, but I'm waiting to see which way the wind blows.

See also: blow, way, wind

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

way the wind blows, which

Also, how the wind blows. How matters stand, as in Let's see which way the wind blows before we decide, or He's going to find out how the wind blows concerning a promotion. This metaphoric term for the course of events first appeared in John Heywood's proverb collection of 1546.

See also: way, wind

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

which way the wind blows

how a situation is likely to develop.

See also: blow, way, wind

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

which way the wind blows, (to know)

How matters stand. Wind direction has been a metaphor for the course of events since the fourteenth century. It appeared in John Heywood’s Proverbs of 1546 and remains current. “My questions must have showed him whence the wind blew,” wrote Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sir Nigel, 1906). See also straw in the wind.

See also: way, wind

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer