windmill

fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her bonnet over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your bonnet over the windmill.

fling (one's) cap over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her cap over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your cap over the windmill.

fling (one's) hat over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her hat over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your hat over the windmill.

have windmills in (one's) head

To be lost in dreams and illusions, rather than rooted in reality. I appreciate Sal's ability to see beyond what is happening right now, but some of the wild ideas he comes up with make me wonder if he has windmills in his head!

not know A from a windmill

To be stupid. It references the vaguely similar shape of the letter A and a windmill. How do you manage to burn pasta? It's like you don't know A from a windmill.

throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her bonnet over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your bonnet over the windmill.

throw (one's) cap over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her cap over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your cap over the windmill.

throw (one's) hat over the windmill

To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her hat over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your hat over the windmill.

tilt at windmills

To waste time fighting enemies or trying to resolve issues that are imaginary, not as important, or impossible to overcome. The CEO seems to be tilting at windmills lately, flinging accusations at members of the press for no reason. The company keeps tilting at windmills with its insistence on implementing a service structure that serves no immediate purpose.

See also: tilt, windmill

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tilt at windmills

Fig. to fight battles with imaginary enemies; to fight against unimportant enemies or issues. (As with the fictional character, Don Quixote, who attacked windmills.) Aren't you too smart to go around tilting at windmills? I'm not going to fight this issue. I've wasted too much of my life tilting at windmills.

See also: tilt, windmill

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

tilt at windmills

Engage in conflict with an imagined opponent, pursue a vain goal, as in Trying to reform campaign financing in this legislature is tilting at windmills. This metaphoric expression alludes to the hero of Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote (1605), who rides with his lance at full tilt (poised to strike) against a row of windmills, which he mistakes for evil giants.

See also: tilt, windmill

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

tilt at windmills

LITERARY

If someone tilts at windmills, they waste their time on problems which do not exist or are unimportant. Of course with their petition and their campaign, they are all tilting at windmills. His critics considered him a tiresome idealist who spent an idle life tilting at windmills. Note: This expression refers to the novel `Don Quixote' (1605) by the Spanish writer Cervantes, in which Don Quixote sees some windmills, thinks that they are giants, and tries to attack them.

See also: tilt, windmill

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

tilt at windmills

attack imaginary enemies or evils.

In Cervantes' 17th-century mock-chivalric novel Don Quixote, the eponymous hero attacked windmills in the deluded belief that they were giants.

See also: tilt, windmill

fling (or throw) your cap over the windmill(s)

act recklessly or unconventionally. dated

1933 John Galsworthy One More River I suggest that both of you felt it would be mad to fling your caps over the windmill like that?

tilt at ˈwindmills

waste your energy attacking imaginary enemies: For some reason he thinks everyone is out to get him, but he’s really just tilting at windmills.This expression comes from Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, in which the hero thought that the windmills he saw were giants and tried to fight them.

See also: tilt, windmill

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

tilt at windmills

To confront and engage in conflict with an imagined opponent or threat.

See also: tilt, windmill

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

tilt at windmills, to

To pursue a fruitless course or attack nonexistent enemies. This expression comes from Cervantes’s famous hero, Don Quixote, who rides with his lance at full tilt (poised to attack) upon a row of windmills, which he mistakes for evil giants (Don Quixote, Part 1, chapter 8; 1605). The image has caught the imagination of subsequent writers to the present day.

tilt at windmills

Fight imaginary enemies or fight a battle that can't be won. “Tilt” means “joust,” as in mounted knights fighting each other with lances. In Miguel Cervantes's Don Quixote, the Man of La Mancha came upon a row of windmills and took them for giants, their flailing arms ready to do battle. Despite his squire Sancho Panza's pointing out that they were windmills, Don Quote set his lance, spurred his steed Rocinante, and charged the “enemy.” Alas for the Knight of the Woeful Countenance, the windmills prevailed. Anyone who similarly takes on a losing cause is tilting at windmills.

See also: tilt, windmill

Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price

See also:

fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill
fling (one's) cap over the windmill
fling (one's) hat over the windmill
fling your cap over the windmill
throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill
throw (one's) cap over the windmill
throw (one's) hat over the windmill
fly (one's) freak flag
longhair
kinky

References in periodicals archive

"A lot of kids don't know what a windmill is," Jerry says.

Celebrating the Past: MID-AMERICA WINDMILL MUSEUM TO MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FESTIVITIES

An illustration of Windmill Hills, Gateshead, in 1891

Seven windmills and one bloody battle

Jeanette McGarry, owner of Berkswell Windmill, said the decision flew in the face of planning guidelines and could prove to be the thin end of the wedge, threatening the future of a wildlife-rich habitat.

Fears for historic Berkswell Windmill over housing estate plans; Land near Berkswell Windmill has been placed on Solihull Council's brownfield land register

The windmill continued to operate until 1948 and a major restoration project, costing PS200,000, was completed at the site in 2013.

Housing decision 'threat' to historic windmill; Residents cry foul over designation of brownfield site for homes near landmark

Keith believes the windmill was built sometime between 1780 and 1800 and when restoring the building into this amazing home, he was keen to add as much character as possible.

on the MARKET

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Windmill Park is already a much-loved play area so I have no doubt the new windmill tower feature will be a very popular addition.

Timber tower's taking shape at kids'play park

The Second World War had only just ended the last time the millstones in Berkswell Windmill ground flour.

Windmill sets sail for first time since end of the war

She added: "This wondrous mill was built in 1826 - although records dating back to 1700 refer to a windmill on this site - and is probably the only mill for miles which still has all of its original machinery.

Flour power is making a comeback! Windmill sails to turn for first time in 70 years

As we roared past the Rotunda I was interested to see a very tall windmill among semi-derelict property.

Gone with the wind

Icons of the rural landscape, windmill towers and functional wind-powered pumps still dot the byways of rural America.

The wondrous wind-mill: unsung instrumental to the birth of rural communities

Springfield, OR, February 27, 2013 --(PR.com)-- For the first time in 30 years, management has changed at the popular Windmill Inn of Roseburg.

Windmill Inn of Roseburg Undergoes Management Change

Haaretz is reporting that the iconic windmill in the Yemin Moshe neighborhood will be restored to working order after over a century of it just kind of sitting there.

Yemin Moshe Windmill Back on the Grind

[USPRwire, Tue Feb 07 2012] Managing Director of Windmill Leasing, Keith Townsend pledged his financial support to help fix the damaged windmill at Avoncroft after local news reported that stormy weather had caused one of the sails to break off and damage the lower part of the roof as it fell.

Windmill Leasing donate funds to help Avoncroft's storm-damaged Post Mill

[ClickPress, Tue Feb 07 2012] Managing Director of Windmill Leasing, Keith Townsend pledged his financial support to help fix the damaged windmill at Avoncroft after local news reported that stormy weather had caused one of the sails to break off and damage the lower part of the roof as it fell.

Windmill Leasing donate funds to help Avoncroft's storm-damaged Post Mill

A WELL-KNOWN landmark on the north Norfolk coast, Cley Windmill has a long and colourful history - even starring alongside Elizabeth Taylor in the 1949 film Conspirator.

Wish you were.. HERE? Windmill hideaways

词组	windmill
释义	windmill fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her bonnet over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your bonnet over the windmill. See also: bonnet, fling, over, windmill fling (one's) cap over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her cap over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your cap over the windmill. See also: cap, fling, over, windmill fling (one's) hat over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, flinging her hat over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't fling your hat over the windmill. See also: fling, hat, over, windmill have windmills in (one's) head To be lost in dreams and illusions, rather than rooted in reality. I appreciate Sal's ability to see beyond what is happening right now, but some of the wild ideas he comes up with make me wonder if he has windmills in his head! See also: have, head, windmill not know A from a windmill To be stupid. It references the vaguely similar shape of the letter A and a windmill. How do you manage to burn pasta? It's like you don't know A from a windmill. See also: know, not, windmill throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her bonnet over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your bonnet over the windmill. See also: bonnet, over, throw, windmill throw (one's) cap over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her cap over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your cap over the windmill. See also: cap, over, throw, windmill throw (one's) hat over the windmill To act in a deranged, reckless, or unconventional manner. Refers to the eponymous character of the novel Don Quixote, who tosses his hat over a windmill (which he imagines is a giant) as a challenge to it. Sarah is always trying to buck social conventions, throwing her hat over the windmill whenever possible. I know you like to take risks in business, but don't throw your hat over the windmill. See also: hat, over, throw, windmill tilt at windmills To waste time fighting enemies or trying to resolve issues that are imaginary, not as important, or impossible to overcome. The CEO seems to be tilting at windmills lately, flinging accusations at members of the press for no reason. The company keeps tilting at windmills with its insistence on implementing a service structure that serves no immediate purpose. See also: tilt, windmill Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. tilt at windmills Fig. to fight battles with imaginary enemies; to fight against unimportant enemies or issues. (As with the fictional character, Don Quixote, who attacked windmills.) Aren't you too smart to go around tilting at windmills? I'm not going to fight this issue. I've wasted too much of my life tilting at windmills. See also: tilt, windmill McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. tilt at windmills Engage in conflict with an imagined opponent, pursue a vain goal, as in Trying to reform campaign financing in this legislature is tilting at windmills. This metaphoric expression alludes to the hero of Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote (1605), who rides with his lance at full tilt (poised to strike) against a row of windmills, which he mistakes for evil giants. See also: tilt, windmill The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. tilt at windmills LITERARY If someone tilts at windmills, they waste their time on problems which do not exist or are unimportant. Of course with their petition and their campaign, they are all tilting at windmills. His critics considered him a tiresome idealist who spent an idle life tilting at windmills. Note: This expression refers to the novel `Don Quixote' (1605) by the Spanish writer Cervantes, in which Don Quixote sees some windmills, thinks that they are giants, and tries to attack them. See also: tilt, windmill Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. tilt at windmills attack imaginary enemies or evils. In Cervantes' 17th-century mock-chivalric novel Don Quixote, the eponymous hero attacked windmills in the deluded belief that they were giants. See also: tilt, windmill fling (or throw) your cap over the windmill(s) act recklessly or unconventionally. dated 1933 John Galsworthy One More River I suggest that both of you felt it would be mad to fling your caps over the windmill like that? See also: cap, fling, over, windmill Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary tilt at ˈwindmills waste your energy attacking imaginary enemies: For some reason he thinks everyone is out to get him, but he’s really just tilting at windmills.This expression comes from Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, in which the hero thought that the windmills he saw were giants and tried to fight them. See also: tilt, windmill Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary tilt at windmills To confront and engage in conflict with an imagined opponent or threat. See also: tilt, windmill American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. tilt at windmills, to To pursue a fruitless course or attack nonexistent enemies. This expression comes from Cervantes’s famous hero, Don Quixote, who rides with his lance at full tilt (poised to attack) upon a row of windmills, which he mistakes for evil giants (Don Quixote, Part 1, chapter 8; 1605). The image has caught the imagination of subsequent writers to the present day. See also: tilt The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer tilt at windmills Fight imaginary enemies or fight a battle that can't be won. “Tilt” means “joust,” as in mounted knights fighting each other with lances. In Miguel Cervantes's Don Quixote, the Man of La Mancha came upon a row of windmills and took them for giants, their flailing arms ready to do battle. Despite his squire Sancho Panza's pointing out that they were windmills, Don Quote set his lance, spurred his steed Rocinante, and charged the “enemy.” Alas for the Knight of the Woeful Countenance, the windmills prevailed. Anyone who similarly takes on a losing cause is tilting at windmills. See also: tilt, windmill Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price See also: fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill fling (one's) cap over the windmill fling (one's) hat over the windmill fling your cap over the windmill throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill throw (one's) cap over the windmill throw (one's) hat over the windmill fly (one's) freak flag longhair kinky References in periodicals archive "A lot of kids don't know what a windmill is," Jerry says. Celebrating the Past: MID-AMERICA WINDMILL MUSEUM TO MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FESTIVITIES An illustration of Windmill Hills, Gateshead, in 1891 Seven windmills and one bloody battle Jeanette McGarry, owner of Berkswell Windmill, said the decision flew in the face of planning guidelines and could prove to be the thin end of the wedge, threatening the future of a wildlife-rich habitat. Fears for historic Berkswell Windmill over housing estate plans; Land near Berkswell Windmill has been placed on Solihull Council's brownfield land register The windmill continued to operate until 1948 and a major restoration project, costing PS200,000, was completed at the site in 2013. Housing decision 'threat' to historic windmill; Residents cry foul over designation of brownfield site for homes near landmark Keith believes the windmill was built sometime between 1780 and 1800 and when restoring the building into this amazing home, he was keen to add as much character as possible. on the MARKET Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Windmill Park is already a much-loved play area so I have no doubt the new windmill tower feature will be a very popular addition. Timber tower's taking shape at kids'play park The Second World War had only just ended the last time the millstones in Berkswell Windmill ground flour. Windmill sets sail for first time since end of the war She added: "This wondrous mill was built in 1826 - although records dating back to 1700 refer to a windmill on this site - and is probably the only mill for miles which still has all of its original machinery. Flour power is making a comeback! Windmill sails to turn for first time in 70 years As we roared past the Rotunda I was interested to see a very tall windmill among semi-derelict property. Gone with the wind Icons of the rural landscape, windmill towers and functional wind-powered pumps still dot the byways of rural America. The wondrous wind-mill: unsung instrumental to the birth of rural communities Springfield, OR, February 27, 2013 --(PR.com)-- For the first time in 30 years, management has changed at the popular Windmill Inn of Roseburg. Windmill Inn of Roseburg Undergoes Management Change Haaretz is reporting that the iconic windmill in the Yemin Moshe neighborhood will be restored to working order after over a century of it just kind of sitting there. Yemin Moshe Windmill Back on the Grind [USPRwire, Tue Feb 07 2012] Managing Director of Windmill Leasing, Keith Townsend pledged his financial support to help fix the damaged windmill at Avoncroft after local news reported that stormy weather had caused one of the sails to break off and damage the lower part of the roof as it fell. Windmill Leasing donate funds to help Avoncroft's storm-damaged Post Mill [ClickPress, Tue Feb 07 2012] Managing Director of Windmill Leasing, Keith Townsend pledged his financial support to help fix the damaged windmill at Avoncroft after local news reported that stormy weather had caused one of the sails to break off and damage the lower part of the roof as it fell. Windmill Leasing donate funds to help Avoncroft's storm-damaged Post Mill A WELL-KNOWN landmark on the north Norfolk coast, Cley Windmill has a long and colourful history - even starring alongside Elizabeth Taylor in the 1949 film Conspirator. Wish you were.. HERE? Windmill hideaways
随便看	come face to face with something come/fall apart at the seams come first come for come for (someone or something) come forth come forward come from come from a good place come from behind come from far and wide come from left field come from nowhere come from (someone or something) come full circle come/get to grips with somebody/something come/get to the point come/go down/up in the world come/go full circle come/go into effect come/go under the hammer come/go with the territory come hell and high water come hell or high water come here (to me)