sail close to the wind
phrase
British
: to do something that is dangerous or that may be illegal or dishonest
The company was sailing close to the wind, but it's not clear if they were actually breaking the law.
Cite this Entry
“Sail close to the wind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sail%20close%20to%20the%20wind. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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