sail near the wind
verb
Roget 698:
be skillful
etc.
adj.;
excel in,
be master of;
have a turn for
etc.
n..
know what's what,
know a hawk from a handsaw,
know what one is about,
know on which side one's bread is buttered,
know what's o'clock;
have cut one's eye teeth,
have cut one's wisdom teeth.
see one's way,
see where the wind lies,
see which way the wind blows;
have all one's wits about one,
have one's hand in;
savoir vivre [Fr.];
scire quid valeant humeri quid ferre recusent [Lat.].
look after the main chance;
cut one's coat according to one's cloth;
live by one's wits;
exercise one's discretion,
feather the oar,
sail near the wind;
stoop to conquer
etc.
(cunning)
702;
play one's cards well,
play one's best card;
hit the right nail on the head,
put the saddle on the right horse.
take advantage of,
make the most of;
profit by
etc.
(use)
677;
make a hit
etc.
(succeed)
731;
make a virtue of necessity;
make hay while the sun shines
etc.
(occasion)
134.
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Roget 940:
be dishonest
etc.
adj.;
play false;
break one's word,
break one's faith,
break one's promise;
jilt,
betray,
forswear;
shuffle
etc.
(lie)
544;
live by one's wits,
sail near the wind.
disgrace oneself,
dishonor oneself,
demean oneself;
derogate,
stoop,
grovel,
sneak,
lose caste;
sell oneself,
go over to the enemy;
seal one's infamy.
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