raise the wind

R

raise the wind (idiom)
/reɪz ðə wɪnd/

At its core, “raise the wind” is an informal way to describe the act of obtaining the necessary money or funds for a particular purpose. It implies gathering resources, often with some effort or ingenuity, to meet a financial need.

Meaning

• Obtain or gather money, especially with difficulty or urgency.
• Stir up trouble, protest, or create a disturbance.
• Cause or summon a strong wind or storm (archaic/literary).
• Generate excitement, energy, or a sudden stir of activity (rare/figurative).

Synonyms: fund; protest; disturb; conjure; excite.

Example Sentences

1. We had to raise the wind to pay for the emergency surgery.
2. He threatened to raise the wind if the council approved the new law.
3. The old witch was said to raise the wind with her incantations.
4. The celebrity’s arrival raised the wind among the eager fans.

Origin and History

Several ideas exist about where this phrase came from. One theory connects it to ancient nautical superstitions. Sailors, when faced with calm seas and a lack of wind to propel their ships, sometimes believed they could “raise the wind” by whistling. This practice was thought to summon a breeze, metaphorically bringing about a desired outcome or resource—in this case, wind for sailing. Over time, this idea of conjuring up something essential may have extended to conjuring up money.

Another unproven tale suggests a link to British pubs and a unique type of tankard. It’s said that some establishments used “whistle tankards,” which had a small whistle on the side. Drinkers would blow this whistle to signal for a refill, effectively “raising” a new drink. This act of generating a needed item could have evolved into the broader sense of generating funds.

Historically, the concept of “raising the wind” also had ties to beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery. There was a widespread conviction that witches possessed the power to control and “raise” winds at their will. Accounts from the 17th century, such as a Scottish confession from 1662, describe rituals where individuals claimed to perform actions, like striking a wet cloth on a stone, to summon winds. This idea of summoning a powerful force for a specific purpose aligns with the figurative use of “raising” funds, though the connection to money came much later.

Country of Origin and Earliest Records

While pinpointing the exact country where “raise the wind” first appeared is difficult, evidence strongly suggests a British origin, or at least significant popularization in Britain. It is primarily heard in the UK.

A significant early documented use that helped popularize the term can be found in the arts. The phrase gained considerable prominence with James Kenney’s popular farce, titled “Raising the Wind,” which premiered in London on November 5, 1803. The play’s plot revolves around a character’s attempts to live by clever schemes and obtain money, directly embodying the idiom’s meaning. The use of the phrase in such a widely known and performed play indicates that it was already understood and likely in common use by the early 19th century, particularly in a theatrical context. The figurative use of the phrase to mean obtaining money is believed to have become common in the late 18th century.

Money

Last update: August 30, 2025 9:13 AM