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Difference between Be in the wind and Hang in the wind

admin Confusing Phrases

be in the wind—

1. (also: be in the air) be rumored or suspected:

  • Everyone in the industry knew that a change was in the wind.

2. (sl.) be alcohol intoxicated:

  • I am not in the wind … for you see I’m perfectly sober.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in a breeze—(coll.) easily, without visible effort:

  • It had been a battle of the sexes and the girls had won in a breeze! No contest really: Girls 4—Boys nil!

hang in the wind—show signs of uncertainty; hesitate:

  • She waited for what was coming. But he hung in the wind.