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close to the wind. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
close to the wind, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
close to the wind in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
close to the wind you have here. The definition of the word
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close to the wind, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
See sail close to the wind.
Pronunciation
Adjective
close to the wind (comparative closer to the wind, superlative closest to the wind)
- (figurative) Near a limit of feasibility or compliance with law or morality.
1983, Colin Watson, Six Nuns and a Shotgun, page 167:I mean, I shouldn't be altogether flabbergasted if you were to tell me that there had been tax fiddles here, or even something a bit close to the wind where the play and the girls are concerned.
2000, David S. Bell, Presidential Power in Fifth Republic France, page 116:Coming on the heels of revelations about financial and property dealings a bit close to the wind in other sections of the Gaullist Party, the authority of the Prime Minister could not but be weakened
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see close to, the, wind.
Adverb
close to the wind (comparative closer to the wind, superlative closest to the wind)
- (nautical) In a direction almost opposite to that from which the wind is blowing.
- (figurative) Near a limit of feasibility or compliance with law or morality.
1850, F. W. Cukbey., “Against All Odds”, in The Dublin University Magazine, page 306:Time you want a real good friend is when you're gone just a bit close to the wind, and want to be set right again.
2003, Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon, page 150:Miriam's wordplay was steering fractionally too close to the wind for my liking.
2004, James R. Acker, David C. Brody, Criminal Procedure: A Contemporary Perspective, page 422:This means, naturally, that a prosecutor anxious about tacking too close to the wind will disclose a favorable piece of evidence.
2011 September 26, “Warnock slams ref as Dunne own goal gifts QPR point”, in Irish Independent:As far as an FA charge goes, Warnock sailed closest to the wind in his initial, expansively voiced televised criticism of Oliver—the youngest Premier League ref at 26
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see close to, the, wind.