winds of fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

"winds of fortune" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor for luck, and it usually refers to luck changing in unexpected ways. For example: "The young couple was confident that their fortunes would improve with time, but they were unprepared for the swift and unexpected winds of fortune that turned their luck around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Being buffeted by the winds of fortune never empowers David, and it never overly emboldens Mr. O'Donnell either.

The New York Times - Arts

What Oedipus -- played by Grigoris Valtinos as a too, too human creature who physically inflates and deflates with the winds of fortune -- does is ask what he is.

The New York Times

A prince, he wrote, "needs to have a spirit disposed to change as the winds of fortune and variations of things command him".

The New York Times - Books

Here, the volatility of your dwelling place in death is apparently as dependent on the winds of fortune as it is in life.

The New York Times

Now the question is whether, in five years, the winds of fortune will have tilted back to one of the other myriad styles that hedge fund managers practice, from making complicated bets on futures to convertible arbitrage?

The New York Times

"And the wild winds of fortune will carry me onward, Oh whithersoever they blow... Onward to glory I go!" It is a thrilling moment in both this 1965 musical and the performance by William Michals, who plays the dual roles of Cervantes and Don Quixote splendidly, with a ringing baritone voice and a fervent manner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea... including him.

The Guardian - Film

"Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow Johnny Deppp) finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea, including him.

Wikipedia

As Mr. Clinton said, "winds of change and good fortune" are blowing here, 38 years after the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, told an all-white Government, to no avail, that it must heed the "wind of change" blowing in Africa.

The New York Times

Mr. Pickens's struggles are symptomatic of a broader reversal of fortune for wind developers.

The New York Times

I had scarlet fever, and I limped for five years, so my whole template for life was Lord Byron, who was physically not great but who wound up being a great soldier of fortune and a great poet and a great lover.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "winds of fortune" to add a touch of metaphorical language when describing significant and often unpredictable shifts in someone's life or a specific situation. It's particularly effective in narratives or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "winds of fortune" in overly formal or technical contexts where a more direct and literal description of changing circumstances would be more appropriate. Overuse of figurative language can detract from clarity in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "winds of fortune" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It metaphorically represents the unpredictable and powerful forces that influence one's life. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "winds of fortune" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe unpredictable shifts in circumstance. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and confirms its frequent use in writing. While it’s not a phrase for highly technical or extremely formal writing, it works well in news, literature, and general discourse. Its use adds a metaphorical touch, conveying the idea that external forces beyond one's control influence life's outcomes. Related phrases include "twists of fate" and "vicissitudes of life", offering similar yet nuanced ways to express the changing nature of luck and circumstance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twists of fate

This alternative highlights the unexpected and often dramatic changes in one's circumstances.

vagaries of fate

This option emphasizes the capricious and erratic nature of destiny.

vicissitudes of life

This phrase points to the alternating or changing phases of life, especially regarding fortune or hardship.

fortunes turn

This shorter phrase directly refers to a change in someone's luck or circumstances.

shifts in circumstance

This alternative focuses on changes in one's situation, without necessarily implying luck or destiny.

changing tides

This phrase describes changing trends or situations, especially in business or politics.

ups and downs

A common idiom referring to the mixture of good and bad experiences in life.

wheel of fortune

This refers to the unpredictable nature of fate, with luck constantly changing.

strokes of luck

Highlights moments of either good or bad luck that can influence one's situation.

capricious fate

Emphasizes the unpredictability of destiny. Capricious implies fate is subject to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "winds of fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "winds of fortune" to describe unpredictable changes in someone's life or circumstances. For example, "After a series of setbacks, the "winds of fortune" finally shifted in her favor".

What's a less figurative alternative to "winds of fortune"?

If you want a less metaphorical phrase, consider using alternatives like "shifts in circumstance" or "changing tides". These options provide a more direct way to describe changes in situations.

Is "winds of fortune" always positive?

No, the ""winds of fortune"" can refer to both positive and negative changes. The context determines whether the shift is beneficial or detrimental.

How does "winds of fortune" differ from "wheel of fortune"?

"Wheel of fortune" typically implies a cycle of ups and downs, whereas ""winds of fortune"" simply suggests a change in circumstances, without necessarily implying a cyclical nature. Also, "wheel of fortune" can refer directly to the name of a famous TV program.