Wind is a powerful force in nature . High wind speeds from tornadoes , hurricanes and other violent storms can cause great destruction . But wind can also be a force for good . It can turn machinery that produces energy . It can help boats sail great distances . In the wild , wind can provide life-saving information to some animals . And it doesn't need to be a strong wind . The wind can provide useful information to people , too ! When we “get wind of something ,” we hear some news or information that has been kept private . Naturally , this air of secrecy makes it even more interesting . When using this expression , remember this : When we get wind of something , we become aware of the information through indirect means . In other words , we learn of it second-hand or through the grapevine . We do not hear it straight from the source . The wind might give others information that we want to keep quiet . For example , the leaders of the company were worried about investors getting wind of the factory fire . If the investors knew , they would probably withdraw their money and invest elsewhere . Here is another example : The filmmakers did not want the media to get wind of the actor's latest arrest . After all , she is playing a police officer in the movie . At times , the information or news sent by the wind is bad , just gossip or talk , and not really helpful at all . For example , if someone asks me , “Did you hear that so-and-so lost his job ?” I can answer , “Yeah , I got wind of that yesterday .” But sometimes the news or information is not bad . It is just something you want to keep secret . Like the time I tried to plan a surprise party for my best friend . I did not want him to get wind of it . That would ruin the surprise . But it is so difficult keeping anything from him . He is nosy and asks a lot of questions , such as : “Why are you calling all my friends ?” Why are you buying so much food and drinks ?” “Are you planning a party for me ?” So much for that surprise party . Now this expression is not always about learning private information or keeping secrets . The wind can send us information that we need to make good decisions . For example , I was just about to buy tickets to a big three-day , outdoor music event . But then I got wind that my favorite performer (and the only reason I was going ) had cancelled . Thank goodness a friend of a friend of a friend told me or I would not have known ! I will have a new story for you next week . But if I get wind of a change in plans , I'll make sure to let you know !