tailwind
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tailwind
Wind that comes from behind and therefore makes it easier to move in the same direction.
Dank des starken Rückenwinds waren die Radfahrer viel schneller am Ziel.
Thanks to the strong tailwind, the cyclists reached the finish much faster.
The word is built very logically: it consists of 'Rücken' (back) and 'Wind' (wind). So it literally describes wind that blows from behind, that is, onto one's back.
Mit Rückenwind ist das Radfahren viel einfacher.
Cycling is much easier with a tailwind.
You can recognize the literal meaning from contexts involving movement, such as cycling, running, or sailing. The figurative meaning refers to support in social, political, or economic situations.
Der Läufer hoffte auf Rückenwind für die zweite Hälfte der Strecke.
The runner was hoping for a tailwind for the second half of the route.
In the literal meaning, 'Rückenwind' (tailwind) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'nutzen' (to use).
Die Segelboote hatten auf dem See starken Rückenwind.
The sailboats had a strong tailwind on the lake.
In the figurative sense, people often speak of 'politischem Rückenwind' (political tailwind/support), 'finanziellem Rückenwind' (financial tailwind/support), or 'Rückenwind von den Wählern bekommen' (to get support from voters).
Die positive öffentliche Meinung gab ihrem Projekt den nötigen Rückenwind.
The positive public opinion gave her project the support it needed.
support
'die Unterstützung' and 'der Rückenwind' can both express that something is moving forward more easily. 'Unterstützung' is the direct word for help from people, groups, or resources. 'Rückenwind' is figurative: it means support or favorable circumstances that help move a plan forward. This can be help from others, but also a positive mood or the right situation. When you are clearly talking about help, 'Unterstützung' is more precise. 'Rückenwind' sounds more natural when you want to emphasize that something is gaining extra momentum.
Nach den guten Nachrichten geht das Team mit neuem Rückenwind in die nächste Woche.
After the good news, the team goes into next week with renewed momentum.
Bei der Bewerbung hat sie viel Unterstützung von ihrer Lehrerin bekommen.
She received a lot of support from her teacher with the application.