Sekirov Dictionary

close to the wind

UK /ˈkləʊs tə‿ðə ˈwɪnd/US /ˈkloʊs tə‿ðə ˈwɪnd/

adverb 2
adjective 1
forms 2

adverb2

In a direction almost opposite to that from which the wind is blowing.
•
(figurative) Near a limit of feasibility or compliance with law or morality.
- Time you want a real good friend is when you're gone just a bit close to the wind, and want to be set right again. — 1850

adjective1

•
(figurative) Near a limit of feasibility or compliance with law or morality.
- I mean, I shouldn't be altogether flabbergasted if you were to tell me that there had been tax fiddles here, or even something a bit close to the wind where the play and the girls are concerned. — 1983

forms

closer to the wind · closest to the wind

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