The expression “keep your nose upwind” is well known. The meaning and interpretation will be discussed in this article. This expression can be safely attributed to those stable phrases that we use so often in colloquial speech.
Interpretation of the expression
Everyone knows the expression “keep your nose in the wind”, the meaning of which has lost some definite connection with the source of its origin. Moreover, I would like to note that in every historical era people used this expression, linking it to current events.
The meaning of the phrase “keep your nose in the wind” can be explained as follows, as the ability, depending on a number of circumstances, to be able to change one’s views, behavior or even beliefs. The meaning of this expression implies unprincipled behavior, the meaning of which is reduced to personal gain. Consequently, one can also give such an interpretation to the expression “keep your nose in the wind” that such behavior leads to the satisfaction of a third party by a group of persons or by one person.
I would like to highlight a group of synonyms that can be compared with this expression. In other words, we can say the following: adapt, adapt to circumstances.
Marine training
From ancient times, the expression "keep your nose in the wind" came to us, the meaning of which was the safe movement of the sea ship, which had to be guided in such a way that the bow of the ship coincided with the direction of the wind. This expression meant complete control over the situation.
Much depended on the direction of the wind and the skill of the sailors. If the wind blew right into the bow of the ship, then it was necessary to remove the sails and anchor. All these manipulations were carried out for one purpose, namely, so that the ship would not be washed ashore or on reefs.
The navy also “presented” us with a number of other phrases. For example, "anchor" can be said even by people who are not related to the maritime business and the execution of the commands of the ship's captain. Thus, a person wants to make it clear that he has decided to settle in one place. Or here is a phrase like “to be on the crest of a wave”, which, in turn, can mean excellence in some business.
In the animal world
There are other interpretations of the expression "keep your nose in the wind." The value can also be attributed to the life of the wildlife of the wild forest, or, say, impenetrable jungle. Some representatives of the animal world must hunt in order to live, that is, have to kill, while others need to be alert to survive.
In other words, in both cases it is necessary to "keep your nose in the wind." One - in order to smell the approach of a predator, and to a predator - in order to find their prey. The animal, in order to catch the smell, turns its nose in the direction of movement of the wind. This conclusion was made as a result of observations. Our favorite pets are dogs like no other. It is they who possess a universal sense of smell, their nose arranged in such a way that in the nasal tubules covered with mucus (due to which the dog’s nose is wet and cold), various odors are sorted, which helps them better recognize the latter.