What it means
To get wind of something means you hear about it through whispers, gossip, a leak, or some little clue before it's been properly announced. It usually carries that sneaky secret-energy, like the news slipped out and found its way to you anyway.
Usage examples
"If the press gets wind of the merger before we brief staff, we’re toast. Keep it quiet and stop blabbing in the group chat."
"If the kids get wind of the surprise party, the whole thing's ruined, so not a word at school."
"The neighbours got wind of the planning application and turned up to the council meeting in force."
"We'd barely signed the lease and somehow my mum got wind of it before I even rang her. News in this family travels feral."
"Don't let Dan get wind of the leaving do or he'll start acting shocked three days early."
Where it comes from
This one really does come from scent and hunting. To get wind of something meant catching a smell carried in the air, often before seeing what caused it. That image stuck, so later people used it for rumours or hidden news reaching someone's ears early.
