Anyone who learns a foreign language will sooner or later come across expressions whose meaning does not derive literally from the individual words. Their meaning is metaphorical, established, and understood only within that particular language. These are idioms, fascinating word combinations that, for me, are the colorful embellishments of language, cultural codes, and at the same time, a record of how our ancestors viewed the world. Idioms literally translated into a foreign language can also be a source of fun.

You can easily astonish an American by saying they “have flies in their nose” (mieć muchy w nosie), or that they should “throw their eye” (rzucić okiem). On the other hand, Poles would be surprised if someone pointed out that they “have knickers in a twist” or asked them to “lend an ear”.Knowledge of idioms is a sign of a strong command of a language, so it’s worth getting to know them to make our language richer and more colorful. And it can also make our language more agile if we use wind-inspired idioms where the wind takes the lead role.

Unlike leaves or feathers, idioms don’t “fly away with the wind” (ulatywać z wiatrem), meaning they don’t vanish suddenly and unexpectedly, and they don’t dissipate without a trace. This can, however, happen to unwritten thoughts, neglected dreams, or missed opportunities. They can “fly away with the wind”, disappear forever, and then it will be as hard to find them as it is to “find the wind in an open field” (szukać wiatru w polu). The wind is there, but in the open space, you don’t see its effects, and you can search for it just as you would for traces of your lost thoughts, missed opportunities, dropped keys in the forest, or a button lost on your way home.

Words are important; they express our thoughts, feelings, plans, dreams, and promises… That’s why one must not “throw words to the wind” (rzucać słowa na wiatr) meaning speak without thinking, without the intention of keeping a promise, or without giving them proper weight. Such words become fleeting and ephemeral. They will fly away with the wind. The person who trusted them will be left “out in the wind” (wystawiać kogoś do wiatru) deceived, treated unfairly, either intentionally or carelessly. They will be left all alone, like a solitary traveler without shelter, exposed to the wind. In such a situation, “blowing into the wind” (dmuchać na wiatr) will certainly not help. Neither will it change the wind’s strength nor its direction. You will simply waste time and energy. It’s clear that such action is pointless, ineffective, and ultimately senseless. “Blowing into the wind” thus describes an effort in an action that will definitely not bring the intended result.

But can one “race against the wind” (ścigać się z wiatrem)? In Polish, yes, one can. “Racing against the wind” means taking on challenges that are difficult, often nearly impossible to win, because the opponent (the wind) is too powerful or elusive. Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes. Unlike “blowing into the wind,” here you take on a challenge with a competitor from whom you can learn a lot. You may not win against the wind, but who knows, you might “catch the wind in your sails” (złapać wiatr w żagle). What does it mean to “catch the wind in your sails”? As we know, wind in the sails is the use of a positive external force to propel a boat forward. In life, it refers to using favorable circumstances or moments to accelerate one’s actions, achieve success, or gain the energy to pursue a goal. Who wouldn’t want to sail with the wind, rather than against it, especially with the wind in their face?

Getting to know idioms is not “racing against the wind.” Many of them are very vivid, and taken literally, they can improve your mood. Isn’t it funny to be “in the powder” (być w proszku) or “not in the sauce” (być nie w sosie)? And what about “walking on one’s eyelashes” (chodzić na rzęsach)? Knowing idioms is like “catching the wind in your sails,” helping you move more smoothly toward your communicative goals. It’s worth using them regularly so they don’t “fly away with the wind” from your memory. The idioms mentioned above are not the only ones that use the wind to convey metaphorical meaning.

I encourage you to search for others.Polish idioms and their English counterparts

Polish English

Rzucać słowa na wiatr All talk and no action

Ścigać się z wiatrem Swimming against the tide

Ulecieć z wiatrem Gone with the wind

Wystawić kogoś do wiatru. To leave someone high and dry

Dmuchać na wiatr Pouring water into a sieve

Szukać wiatru w polu Looking for a needle in a haystack

Złapać wiatr w żagle To get a second wind