How to Use 'Get Wind Of' in English: Phrases for Gossip and Rumors


Introduction 🌬️

Have you ever heard the phrase “get wind of” in English? It’s a fun and colorful way to talk about finding out information, especially secrets or rumors. Let’s explore this expression and learn how to use it in everyday conversations!

Basic Expressions 🍃

Phrases with “Get Wind Of”

  • get wind of (something)
  • catch wind of (something)
  • hear through the grapevine
  • word on the street
  • buzz going around
  • rumor has it
  • Rumor
  • Gossip
  • Secret
  • Information
  • Leak
  • Spread
  • Secretive
  • Confidential
  • Hush-hush
  • Clandestine
  • Covert
  • Under wraps

Useful Expressions and Examples 🗨️

When Talking About Rumors

Example 1:

“I got wind of a surprise party being planned for Sarah.”

“The boss caught wind of the office romance.”

When Discussing Gossip

Example 2:

“Word on the street is that they’re getting divorced.”

“I heard through the grapevine that he’s quitting his job.”

When Keeping Secrets

Example 3:

“Let’s keep this under wraps. We don’t want anyone to get wind of it.”

“It’s supposed to be hush-hush, but somehow the news got out.”

Conversation Examples 🎭

Office Gossip

A: “Did you hear about the new project?”

B: “No, what new project?”

A: “I got wind of it during the coffee break. Apparently, we’re launching a new product line!”

B: “Wow, that’s big news! I wonder why they’re keeping it so quiet.”

Friends Discussing a Rumor

A: “Have you heard the latest buzz about celebrities?”

B: “No, what’s going on?”

A: “Word on the street is that two famous actors are secretly dating.”

B: “Really? Where did you catch wind of that?”

A: “Oh, you know, I heard it through the grapevine.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using “Get Wind Of”

  1. Subject + get/catch + wind + of + noun/noun phrase Example: “She got wind of the surprise party.”

  2. It can be used in different tenses Example: “They had gotten wind of the plan before we could announce it.”

  3. Often used in the passive voice Example: “If this gets wind, we’ll be in trouble.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “I got wind about the news.” Correct: “I got wind of the news.”

Incorrect: “The secret wind got out.” Correct: “The secret got out.” or “Someone got wind of the secret.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

Describing How Information Spreads

  • “The news spread like wildfire.”
  • “It’s all over town.”
  • “Everyone’s talking about it.”

Expressing Secrecy

  • “Keep this under your hat.”
  • “Mum’s the word.”
  • “This is strictly on the down-low.”
  • “Spill the beans”
  • “Let the cat out of the bag”
  • “Keep something close to one’s chest”
  • “Have it on good authority”

Explaining Usage 🗣️

Example:

“In English, we often use ‘get wind of’ when we want to say we’ve found out about something secret or not widely known.”

“‘Hearing through the grapevine’ is similar to ‘getting wind of,’ but it specifically implies that information has passed through several people.”

Summary 💨

There are many colorful ways to talk about rumors and gossip in English! Learn to use “get wind of” and related expressions to sound more natural in conversations.

Key Points to Remember

  1. Master the basic structure of “get wind of”
  2. Learn related idioms and expressions
  3. Practice using these phrases in different contexts

Remember, these expressions are often used in casual settings. Use them wisely and have fun with English gossip talk!




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