Definition

Adverb 1. Nearly opposite to the direction from which the wind is coming: This is the primary nautical meaning, describing the act of sailing a vessel at an angle as near as possible to the direction of the oncoming wind. 2. Operating at the very limit of what is safe, legal, or acceptable: This is a common figurative extension of the nautical term, implying behavior that is risky, borderline, or verging on the improper.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Nautical):

  • The skilled captain sailed close to the wind to make the best possible speed.
  • To reach the harbor, we had to steer close to the wind for several hours.

• Adverb (Figurative):

  • His financial schemes were sailing close to the wind and eventually attracted regulatory scrutiny.
  • The comedian's jokes were close to the wind, nearly crossing the line into offensiveness.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used with verbs like "sail," "steer," or "be." It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the action.
• In its figurative sense, it often carries a connotation of deliberate risk-taking or pushing boundaries.

Variants and Related Words

• Close-hauled (Adjective/Adverb): A more technical nautical term with a very similar meaning to "close to the wind," describing a ship trimmed to sail as directly into the wind as possible.
• Toe the line (Idiom): To conform strictly to rules or standards. (This is somewhat opposite in meaning to the figurative use of "close to the wind").
• Push the envelope (Idiom): To approach or go beyond the limits of what is normally done. (Similar in meaning to the figurative use).

Synonyms

• Figurative sense: On the edge, borderline, risky, near the limit, skating on thin ice.

Related Idioms

• Sail close to the wind: This is the most common full form of the idiom, used in both literal and figurative contexts.
  • Literal: "We'll have to sail close to the wind to get there before the storm."
  • Figurative: "Politicians who sail close to the wind with their expenses often get caught."

Adverb

1. nearly opposite to the direction from which wind is coming
   • sailing close to the wind