hat in a fairy-wind

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi, what could this saying mean?

'Any man can lose his hat in a fairy-wind

Irish Saying’

Thx in advance

2

I’ve never heard it, but would guess that it means no-one is secure from sudden changes.

Fairy wind - In Celtic mythology a sudden gust or blast of wind was said to be caused by the fairies.

3

Hi Bagheera,
I believe it’s a saying dealing with how men should/should not behave. “The fairy wind” is a magical “wind” that can lead a man astray (make someone behave badly) or into temptation. Like any saying, this one is exaggerating.
Meet another Irish one: Any man who owns a cow can always find a woman to milk her.
Regards.

4

And that one gave me plenty of food for thought: Irishwomen have a dispensation from the pope to wear the thick ends of their legs downwards.
Is this a blessing or a disaster for them having such a dispensation?

5

It sounds most unflattering!

6

Thanks all for the replies :wink: Interesting saying…