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straw in the wind

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straw in the wind

A minor event or action that predicts or foreshadows a future event. His negative remark about marriage was a straw in the wind that suggested he was headed for a divorce. Bill didn't get the promotion and, looking back, I think his very public argument with the boss was a straw in the wind.

See also: straw, wind

straw in the wind

something that shows you what might happen in the future There were straws in the wind that suggested a strike was likely.

Usage notes: usually used in the plural, as in the example

See also: straw, wind

straw in the wind

A slight hint of the future, as in The public unrest is a straw in the wind indicating future problems for the regime. This expression alludes to a straw showing in what direction the wind blows, an observation also behind the idiom straw vote.

See also: straw, wind

straw in the wind

A slight hint of something to come.

See also: straw, wind