A straw in the wind
idiom
A small hint or sign of what might happen in the future.
The company's decision to stop production is a straw in the wind suggesting that they may be going bankrupt.
Often appears as...
- recognize a straw in the wind
- see a straw in the wind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
A small hint or sign of what might happen in the future.
The company's decision to stop production is a straw in the wind suggesting that they may be going bankrupt.
Often appears as...
- recognize a straw in the wind
- see a straw in the wind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Clues
Use 'a straw in the wind' to describe barely noticeable hints about future events or decisions.
His reluctance to discuss plans was a straw in the wind for the project's cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
'A straw in the wind' is figurative for small signs, not literal straws or wind.
The manager's hesitation was a straw in the wind, hinting at the merger.
Pro Tip 3/3Prediction Tool
It suggests you are using a sign to predict something before it's confirmed.
The sudden quietness in the office was a straw in the wind that layoffs were coming.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Clues
Use 'a straw in the wind' to describe barely noticeable hints about future events or decisions.
His reluctance to discuss plans was a straw in the wind for the project's cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
'A straw in the wind' is figurative for small signs, not literal straws or wind.
The manager's hesitation was a straw in the wind, hinting at the merger.
Pro Tip 3/3Prediction Tool
It suggests you are using a sign to predict something before it's confirmed.
The sudden quietness in the office was a straw in the wind that layoffs were coming.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Clues
Use 'a straw in the wind' to describe barely noticeable hints about future events or decisions.
His reluctance to discuss plans was a straw in the wind for the project's cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
'A straw in the wind' is figurative for small signs, not literal straws or wind.
The manager's hesitation was a straw in the wind, hinting at the merger.
Pro Tip 3/3Prediction Tool
It suggests you are using a sign to predict something before it's confirmed.
The sudden quietness in the office was a straw in the wind that layoffs were coming.
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