風向き
also: かぜむき
Meanings
1
Literal meteorological meaning: the direction from which the wind is blowing.
The wind direction today is northwest.
2
Figurative use: how things are developing, the current state of affairs, or the prevailing mood/atmosphere. Often used with 変わる, 見る, or 悪い.
The mood of the meeting suddenly changed.
We need to gauge the trend of public opinion.
Usage patterns
- 風向きが変わるfor the situation/mood to shift
Midway through the meeting, the mood suddenly shifted.
- 風向きが悪いthe situation is unfavorable
Lately, things seem to be going against him.
- 風向きを見るto watch how things are developing before acting
He watched how things were going for a while before speaking up.