Let’s wait a bit before making a decision and see which way the wind blows.
word origin — From sailing — wise sailors checked wind direction before setting sail to avoid disaster on the open sea.
see which way the wind blows, don’t put the cart before the horse, on the tip of your tongue, have bigger fish to fry, turn the other cheek: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 78. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
see which way the wind blows · idiom/si wɪtʃ weɪ ðə wɪnd bloʊz/
to wait and observe before making a decision
Let’s wait a bit before making a decision and see which way the wind blows.
Origin: From sailing — wise sailors checked wind direction before setting sail to avoid disaster on the open sea.
don’t put the cart before the horse · idiom/doʊnt pʊt ðə kɑrt bɪˈfɔr ðə hɔrs/
to do things in the wrong order
You need to write the introduction last—don’t put the cart before the horse.
Origin: Used since the 1500s — placing a cart in front of the horse meant nothing could move forward correctly.
on the tip of your tongue · idiom/ɔn ðə tɪp əv jʊr tʌŋ/
to know something but be unable to recall it at the moment
I know her name, it’s right on the tip of my tongue!
Origin: From the 1800s — describes a word felt physically present in the mouth but stubbornly refusing to be spoken.
have bigger fish to fry · idiom/hæv ˈbɪɡɚ fɪʃ tu fraɪ/
to have more important things to do
I don’t have time for this argument—I have bigger fish to fry.
Origin: From the 1600s — a chef working on important large fish couldn't waste time on small unimportant ones.
turn the other cheek · idiom/tɜrn ði ˈʌðɚ tʃik/
to respond to an insult or attack with patience instead of retaliation
Instead of reacting to the insult, she chose to turn the other cheek and walk away.
Origin: From the Bible (Matthew 5:39) — Jesus taught that when struck on one cheek, one should offer the other side.