ill wind
Meaning
A harmful or detrimental influence or event that brings misfortune.
Origin
For centuries, people have watched the weather with a keen eye, understanding that winds could carry more than just rain clouds. A literal "ill wind" could bring pestilence, blight, or ruin crops, sweeping across the land with tangible harm. This direct experience of a malevolent gust eventually evolved into a powerful metaphor. By the 14th century, the phrase had entered the common English lexicon, notably appearing in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. While often paired with the proverb "that blows nobody any good," the core image of the "ill wind" itself remains a striking representation of any unseen, detrimental force or event that brings misfortune in its wake.
Examples
- The factory closure was an ill wind for the local economy, leading to widespread unemployment.
- Rising inflation has proven to be an ill wind for household budgets, making everyday necessities more expensive.