side-wind
Definition
- Noun:
- A sideways wind: "side-wind" refers to a wind that blows from the side, especially one that affects the course of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.
- An indirect influence or source: In figurative use, "side-wind" means an indirect or roundabout means of achieving something, often through subtle or unintended channels.
Usage Examples
Literal (wind):
- The driver had to steer carefully against the strong side-wind. (A wind blowing from the side, making the car difficult to control.)
Figurative (indirect influence):
- The news reached us by a side-wind, through a mutual friend rather than an official announcement. (The information came indirectly, through an unexpected channel.)
Advanced Usage
- "by a side-wind": This fixed expression means "indirectly" or "through a secondary route."
- He gained the promotion by a side-wind, as a result of his colleague's unexpected resignation. (He advanced through an indirect circumstance, not by direct effort.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sidewind (verb): to move or travel in a sideways or indirect manner.
- The snake sidewinds across the desert sand. (It moves sideways in a characteristic motion.)
- Sidewinder (noun): a type of rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) that moves sideways; also a type of guided missile.
- The sidewinder is known for its unique sideways locomotion. (A desert snake with a distinctive movement.)
Synonyms
- Crosswind: a wind blowing across the direction of travel (literal use).
- A strong crosswind made landing difficult. (Synonymous with side-wind in weather contexts.)
- Indirect means: an oblique or roundabout method (figurative use).
- She achieved her goal through indirect means. (Equivalent to "by a side-wind.")
Related Idioms
- "by a side-wind": as an idiom, it means "in an indirect or unexpected way."
- The proposal was accepted by a side-wind, after the main opposition withdrew. (The decision came about indirectly, not through direct debate.)