Whistling (something) down the wind
Posted by SuzanneR on August 02, 1998 at 12:56:44:
In response to whistling (something) down the wind, written by Kathi on August 02, 1998 at 02:39:20
] I am reading a book sent in the 1830s, and it has the expression to "whistle (something) down the wind." From the context, I gather that it has something to do with wasting (something) or missing out on (some kind of opportunity), but it is not clear. Does anyone know exactly what this expression means?
Kathi:
I believe you have the meaning right, but I would add that the phrase seems to imply a willful and rather insouciant rejection of a valuable opportunity.
(I sure hope I'm doing that italics correctly--this is the first time I've tried it!)
I wonder what the derivation is? Does it mean literally that one tosses something valuable into the wind (to be swallowed up)?
SuzanneR
- Whistle Down the Wind SuzanneR 13:08:50 8/02/98
(3)
- Bowdler rides again Linden 23:05:13 8/03/98
(2)
- in the wind Laura W 00:11:45 8/04/98
(1)
- wind Lesley 02:05:28 8/04/98
(0)
- wind Lesley 02:05:28 8/04/98
(0)
- in the wind Laura W 00:11:45 8/04/98
(1)
- Bowdler rides again Linden 23:05:13 8/03/98
(2)
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
