foul winds
Sailors' dreaded gusts
Foul winds blow against a ship's intended direction, hindering progress.
The phrase appears in nautical contexts and extends figuratively to any adverse circumstances: Foul winds delayed our arrival by three days.
The company faced foul winds in the market.
- headwindWind against travel direction
- galeSevere sustained wind
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
- tempestViolent windstorm or turmoil
- rough seasTurbulent ocean conditions
miasmic · putrid · lee shore · storm · malodorous · doldrums · dead calm · gusts · rancid · fetid · bluster · noisome · stinky · noxious fumes · rotten egg · sirocco · shipwreck · downdraft
direction/favorability for travel
foul windsfair winds
Helpful gusts for sailing
tailwind · fresh air · sweet breeze · fresh breeze · gentle breeze
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