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.
tailwind / support
In a figurative sense, support or favorable circumstances that help and advance a project or person.
Mit dem Rückenwind der guten Umfrageergebnisse ging die Partei in den Wahlkampf.
With the tailwind of the good poll results, the party entered the election campaign.
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.
backing
Both words can express that a person or project receives support. Rückendeckung means targeted support or protection from a person or group, while Rückenwind can also refer to favorable circumstances. When someone stands behind you in a dispute, Rückendeckung is the appropriate term; for generally favorable conditions, use Rückenwind.
Das neue Gesetz gab dem Vorhaben zusätzlichen Rückenwind.
The new law gave the project an additional boost.
Die Mitarbeiterin trat mit der Rückendeckung ihrer Vorgesetzten vor die Öffentlichkeit.
With the backing of her supervisor, the employee addressed the public.
