Phrase
a straw in the wind
noun
迹象；苗头；先兆；预兆
a slight but noticeable sign that indicates what may happen in the future
蹟象；苗头
In use
Early sales figures are a straw in the wind for the company's future success.
The dark clouds gathering on the horizon were a straw in the wind that a storm was approaching.
The small protest was a straw in the wind of growing public dissatisfaction with the new policy.
be a straw in the wind
常用于系表结构，表示某事物是某种迹象。
The sudden drop in sales was a straw in the wind for the struggling company.
销售额的突然下降对这家陷入困境的公司来说是一个先兆。
seem/appear like a straw in the wind
用于比喻，表示某事物看似是一种迹象。
His nervous laugh seemed like a straw in the wind, hinting at his discomfort.
他紧张的笑声好像一个苗头，暗示了他的不安。
as a straw in the wind
常用于as引导的状语结构，表示被视为某迹象。
The protest was seen as a straw in the wind of larger social unrest.
这场抗议被视为更大社会动荡的征兆。
Connections
Learner notes
Grammar Note
固定习语，不定冠词 a 不可省略，通常使用单数。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT.