Sailing against the wind is a phrase used to describe a boat maneuvering in a direction opposite to the direction of the wind. The pronunciation of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈseɪlɪŋ əˈɡɛnst ðə wɪnd/. The word 'sailing' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound, while 'against' is pronounced with a schwa sound in the first syllable. 'Wind' is pronounced with a voiced 'w' sound at the beginning and a nasal 'n' sound at the end.
"Sailing against the wind" is an idiomatic expression that denotes the action of moving forward or making progress in spite of facing adversity or encountering obstacles. It is most commonly used in a metaphorical sense to describe the act of persevering or succeeding despite encountering opposition, challenges, or adversity.
In a literal context, sailing against the wind refers to the act of maneuvering a sailboat in a direction opposite to the flow or force of the wind. This requires skillful navigation and the implementation of various techniques to make progress against the wind's resistance. It is a challenging and demanding task, as the force of the wind resists the sails and makes it harder for the boat to move forward. Sailing against the wind may involve zigzagging or tacking, wherein the boat changes its course repeatedly to advance in the desired direction despite the wind's resistance.
In a figurative or symbolic sense, "sailing against the wind" implies going against the prevailing opinions, norms, or circumstances. It refers to the determination, resilience, and tenacity to pursue one's goals or beliefs, even in the face of strong opposition or adversity. This expression signifies the willingness to challenge the status quo, stick to one's convictions, and navigate through setbacks, obstacles, or opposition to achieve success, personal growth, or a desired outcome.