get wind of

USAGE SUMMARY

"get wind of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to find out about something, usually something secret or not widely known, usually through someone talking about it. Example sentence: "I got wind of a new restaurant opening in the neighborhood, so I decided to investigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Wait till the French get wind of this!

The New Yorker

A reporter managed to get wind of his larger donation.

The Guardian

You get wind of stuff awfully quickly," Baucus told reporters.

The Washington Post

Mexican drug cartels get wind of Walter's product.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Madera's authorities, along with the local news, get wind of this.

The New York Times - Books

When the panzanella purists get wind of this they'll pass a law against it.

The New York Times - Food

And, when the press get wind of it (not entirely accidentally), another.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Needless to say, bad guys get wind of this and come knocking.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Maxim got wind of the investigation, and panicked.

The New Yorker

The C.I.A. got wind of the magazine's investigation.

The New Yorker

Prexy got wind of the plot just in time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience when using "get wind of", as it can sometimes imply a sense of intrigue or suspicion. In formal contexts, a more neutral alternative like "become aware of" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "get wind of" in situations where the information was openly shared or widely known. This phrase suggests a degree of secrecy or confidentiality that might not be present, potentially creating a misleading impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get wind of" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the act of receiving information, often of a private or secret nature. As supported by Ludwig, it is a commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get wind of" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that means to learn about something, particularly if it's secret or not widely known. According to Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, its usage implies a degree of discretion or confidentiality surrounding the acquired information. When writing, remember that this idiom is best used when the information has been obtained through indirect means or was not intended for public knowledge. The phrase can be replaced by alternatives such as "catch wind of", "become aware of" or "find out about", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch wind of

Similar meaning, implying discovering something secret or not generally known.

become aware of

More formal and general way to express gaining knowledge about something.

find out about

A common and straightforward way of saying that you learned something.

hear about

Indicates learning something through auditory means or general communication.

learn of

A more formal way to say 'find out about'.

discover

Suggests a more active finding out of something previously unknown.

ascertain

A formal way of finding something out for certain.

uncover

Implies revealing something hidden or secret.

get wise to

Informal, suggests becoming aware of a deception or scheme.

detect

Suggests noticing something not easily apparent.

FAQs

What does "get wind of" mean?

The phrase "get wind of" means to hear a rumor or learn of something secret or confidential. It implies that the information was not intended for you to know.

How can I use "get wind of" in a sentence?

You can use "get wind of" in a sentence like this: "I "got wind of" the company's plans to downsize before the official announcement."

What are some alternatives to "get wind of"?

Some alternatives to "get wind of" include "become aware of", "find out about", or "hear about", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "get wind of" or "become aware of"?

"Get wind of" is more informal and suggests the information was obtained discreetly or secretly. "Become aware of" is more formal and neutral, suitable for professional contexts.