Sail close to the wind
verb phrase
To do something risky or dangerous, especially to achieve a goal.
He is always sailing close to the wind with his finances.
Often appears as...
- always sailing close to the wind
- dare to sail close to the wind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To behave just within the limits of what is legally or ethically acceptable.
The company sailed close to the wind with their questionable tax avoidance practices.
Often appears as...
- sail close to the wind legally
- sail close to the wind ethically
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To sail as close as possible in the opposite direction to the wind.
To reach our destination faster, we decided to sail close to the wind.
Often appears as...
- sail close to the wind to reach destination
- sail close to the wind nautical
Usage tips
Technical
verb phrase
To do something risky or dangerous, especially to achieve a goal.
He is always sailing close to the wind with his finances.
Often appears as...
- always sailing close to the wind
- dare to sail close to the wind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To behave just within the limits of what is legally or ethically acceptable.
The company sailed close to the wind with their questionable tax avoidance practices.
Often appears as...
- sail close to the wind legally
- sail close to the wind ethically
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To sail as close as possible in the opposite direction to the wind.
To reach our destination faster, we decided to sail close to the wind.
Often appears as...
- sail close to the wind to reach destination
- sail close to the wind nautical
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe risky actions in various aspects of life.
She always sails close to the wind with her aggressive business strategies.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
The phrase may suggest a negative judgment, implying that someone is irresponsible or reckless.
His habit of always sailing close to the wind finally led to his downfall.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Use the phrase where the context hints at risk-taking; it might confuse in a literal or safe context.
Taking that shortcut through the woods at night? That's really sailing close to the wind.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe risky actions in various aspects of life.
She always sails close to the wind with her aggressive business strategies.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
The phrase may suggest a negative judgment, implying that someone is irresponsible or reckless.
His habit of always sailing close to the wind finally led to his downfall.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Use the phrase where the context hints at risk-taking; it might confuse in a literal or safe context.
Taking that shortcut through the woods at night? That's really sailing close to the wind.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe risky actions in various aspects of life.
She always sails close to the wind with her aggressive business strategies.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
The phrase may suggest a negative judgment, implying that someone is irresponsible or reckless.
His habit of always sailing close to the wind finally led to his downfall.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Use the phrase where the context hints at risk-taking; it might confuse in a literal or safe context.
Taking that shortcut through the woods at night? That's really sailing close to the wind.
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