- To hear about something, especially a rumor or secret information, often indirectly.
Explanation
Origin
- Believed to be a nautical term or one derived from hunting.
- Animals can detect scents carried on the wind, alerting them to prey or danger from afar.
- Metaphorically, this means catching the scent of news or information that is subtly circulating, often before it becomes public knowledge.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Heard on the down-low (Heard secretly)
- Got the scoop (Got the inside information)
- Heard tell (More folksy/older, means 'heard it said')
- Word on the street is... (Common rumor is...)
Milder/Standard:
- Became aware of
- Found out about
- Learned of
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Suitable for gossip, sharing rumors, or discussing informally obtained information in business or personal life.
- Might seem too informal for a very official report unless quoting someone.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take wind literally, thinking it relates to weather. Ensure the context of receiving information is clear.
Examples
- How did the press get wind of the secret negotiations?
- I got wind of a possible restructuring in the company.
- She got wind of the surprise party they were planning for her.
Dialogue
Layla: I think the boss is planning layoffs.
Omar: What makes you say that? Where did you hear it?
Layla: I got wind of it from Sarah in HR. She seemed really worried.
Omar: Wow, okay. We should probably start updating our resumes, just in case.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Just got wind of a major update coming to my favorite game! Can't wait! #Gaming #Leaks
- Forum Post: Anyone else get wind of the potential policy changes? Heard about it from a colleague today.
- Facebook Status: Looks like my neighbours got wind of my BBQ plans... suddenly everyone is 'just dropping by' haha!
Response Patterns
- Expressing surprise: Really? How did you hear?
- Confirming/Sharing: Yeah, I heard something about that too.
- Asking for source: Where did you get wind of that?
- Expressing concern: Oh no, who else knows?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone got wind of something:
- Ask How did you find out? or Who told you?.
- Ask Is it definite? or What else do you know?.
- Decide whether to investigate further or keep the information confidential.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used mid-conversation to introduce news or a rumor.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on get and wind. How did they GET WIND of it?
Generation Differences
- Used across most adult generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia).