gave me wings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave me wings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to express that someone or something has inspired or empowered you to achieve more than you thought possible. Example: "Her encouragement and support really gave me wings to pursue my dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That gave me wings".

The New York Times - Sports

"It gave me wings".

The New York Times - Sports

He pushed me, he gave me wings".

The Guardian - Film

Speaking of his own performance at the Senate, he said: "God gave me wings that day".

The Guardian

"My dog, Tugboat," he said, repeating Haven's note, "he gave me wings today".

The New York Times - Sports

Speaking of his own performance at the Senate, he said: "God gave me wings that day". He may yet find they're made of wax.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At a party after he was elected to the Senate, he gave a mock prayer: "Give me wings to get straight to the point".

The New York Times

"You give me wings,/like a butterfly,/dancing with you,/upon two hearts,/together" reads one of Sahara's poems, in its entirety.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You give me wings,/like a butterfly,/dancing with you,/upon two hearts,/together" reads one of Sahara's poems, in its entirety.

The New York Times - Magazine

The daily run that gives me wings The baby could come at any moment so I have to take my telephone with me even if I'm only going to the other side of the valley, which I do every day with the dog.

Independent

They questioned my parents for giving me wings, for letting me be independent, like any human being.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "gave me wings" to express a feeling of empowerment or inspiration received from someone or something. It's effective for conveying that you were enabled to achieve something significant.

Common error

Avoid using "gave me wings" in literal contexts. It's a metaphor, so ensure the surrounding text supports the figurative meaning of inspiration or enablement, not a literal granting of wings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave me wings" primarily functions as a metaphorical expression, indicating that someone or something has inspired or empowered the speaker. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts to convey a sense of empowerment and freedom.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave me wings" is a correct and usable metaphorical expression that indicates inspiration or empowerment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey gratitude for support that enabled the speaker to achieve something significant. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly appearing in news and media, with some presence in academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it is within a context that supports its metaphorical nature, avoiding literal interpretations. Consider related phrases like "empowered me to soar" or "inspired me to achieve" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Empowered me to soar

Emphasizes the enabling aspect, suggesting a boost in confidence or ability to overcome challenges.

Inspired me to achieve

Focuses on the motivational aspect, highlighting the impetus to reach a goal.

Helped me to fly

A more literal metaphor, emphasizing assistance in taking off or progressing.

Enabled me to excel

Highlights the facilitation of superior performance.

Gave me the impetus

Focuses on the initial force or motivation behind an action.

Boosted my potential

Highlights the enhancement of inherent capabilities.

Elevated my game

An idiomatic expression suggesting improvement in performance or skill.

Propelled me forward

Emphasizes the driving force that advanced progress.

Set me free

Highlights the liberation or release from constraints.

Opened doors for me

Focuses on the creation of opportunities that were previously unavailable.

FAQs

How can I use "gave me wings" in a sentence?

You can use "gave me wings" to express how someone or something inspired or empowered you, like in the sentence, "Her encouragement really "gave me wings" to pursue my dreams".

What's a more formal way to say "gave me wings"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "empowered me", "inspired me", or "enabled me to excel". These options convey similar meanings with a heightened level of formality.

Is it correct to say "given me wings" instead of "gave me wings"?

The correct form depends on the tense. Use "gave me wings" for past simple tense. Use "has given me wings" or "had given me wings" if you need present perfect or past perfect tense, respectively.

What's the difference between "gave me wings" and "took me under their wing"?

"Gave me wings" suggests empowerment and inspiration, while "took me under their wing" implies mentorship or guidance. The former enables you to achieve, while the latter provides support and direction.