sucking wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sucking wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is out of breath or struggling, often after physical exertion. Example: "After running the marathon, I was completely sucking wind and needed a moment to catch my breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"He's sucking wind now, too," Mr. Valdes said.

The New York Times

Thank God we get residuals, or else I'd really be sucking wind".

The New York Times

I used to be sucking wind by the third round of an amateur fight.

The New York Times - Sports

"Financially, the company was sucking wind, so I called them and negotiated a deal," Dean Factor said.

The New York Times - Style

We're sucking wind right now trying to get to our next off-day to catch our breath".

The New York Times - Sports

So are the casual-dining chains, such as Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's, which have been sucking wind in recent years, either losing customers or closing restaurants.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

There are few basements here, so to where do you retreat when the roar and the sucking winds arrive?

Independent

"I don't usually suck wind too much," said Kittles, who asked to be taken out late in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

This may not sound like enough, but the truth is that most 4G LTE-capable phones suck wind in the battery department and eight hours is saying a lot.

TechCrunch

Home, though, is where we often suck wind.

Huffington Post

Those factors have also caused mineral prices to plummet, sucking the wind from the sails of Peru's economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sucking wind" to add vividness and a sense of immediacy to descriptions of physical exertion or business/economic struggles. It's more impactful than simply saying someone is tired or a company is failing.

Common error

Avoid using "sucking wind" solely to describe difficulty breathing in non-figurative contexts. The phrase often carries a stronger connotation of defeat or near-failure than simple breathlessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sucking wind" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a predicate adjective to describe a state of exhaustion or near-failure. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both literal (physical exertion) and figurative (business struggles) contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sucking wind" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe being out of breath, exhausted, or, figuratively, in a state of near-failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is commonly used in news and media, sports, and business contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While it adds vividness, writers should ensure its usage aligns with the intended meaning and avoid misinterpreting its figurative implications. Related phrases include "gasping for air" and "in dire straits", offering alternative ways to convey similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gasping for air

Focuses specifically on the difficulty of breathing, often after physical exertion.

out of breath

A more general term for breathlessness, not necessarily implying extreme exhaustion.

struggling to breathe

Highlights the effort involved in breathing, often due to a medical condition or intense activity.

on one's last legs

Implies nearing the end of one's strength or ability, often in a figurative sense.

in dire straits

Focuses on being in a difficult or desperate situation, especially financially.

barely surviving

Emphasizes the minimal level of existence or operation.

failing miserably

Highlights a significant lack of success or progress.

losing ground

Suggests a decline in position or advantage.

running out of steam

Implies a loss of energy, enthusiasm or momentum.

floundering

Describes struggling aimlessly or ineffectively.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "sucking wind"?

To say someone is "sucking wind" generally means they are extremely tired or struggling, often after strenuous physical activity. It can also be used figuratively to describe a business or situation that is failing or barely surviving.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sucking wind"?

The phrase "sucking wind" is appropriate when describing situations involving intense physical exertion, or in figurative contexts to describe businesses or projects that are failing or struggling to survive. It's suitable for informal and neutral communications, as evidenced by its usage in news articles.

What can I say instead of "sucking wind" to describe physical exhaustion?

You can use alternatives like "gasping for air", "out of breath", or "struggling to breathe" depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases to "sucking wind" when describing a failing business?

For describing a failing business, consider phrases like "in dire straits", "barely surviving", or "losing ground".