| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Wing, Wings. | | |
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Wing of a house, wing of an army, wing of a battalion or squadron, etc., are the side-pieces which start from the main body, as the wings of birds. | 1 |
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Don’t try to fly without wings. Attempt nothing you are not fit for. A French proverb. | 2 |
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On the wing. Au vol, about to leave. | 3 |
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To clip one’s wings. To take down one’s conceit; to hamper one’s action. In French, Rogner les ailes [à quelqu’un]. | 4 |
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To lend wings. To spur one’s speed. | 5 |
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| “This sound of danger lent me wings.” | |
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To take one under your wing. To patronise and protect. The allusion is to a hen gathering her chicks under her wing. | 6 |
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To take wing. To fly away; to depart without warning. (French, s’envoler.) | 7 |
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