See which way the wind blows

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Meaning

To wait and gauge the situation, testing the drift.

Origin

From 16th-century England, tied to sailing; wind set course, slang by 1540s for wait. A 1570s play uses it for a pause.

Variants

  • Wind blows

Usage Examples

  • See which way the wind blows before you bet.
  • He's seeing which way the wind blows; smart.
  • Which way the wind blows; wait and see.

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