in the teeth of the wind

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to explain to me in plain English the meaning of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

Patience is not merely a fixed determination to hold our place in the teeth of the wind, but to make actual progress in spite of it.

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V.

[buggles]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to explain to me in plain English the meaning of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

Patience is not merely a fixed determination to hold our place in the teeth of the wind, but to make actual progress in spite of it.

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V.

It tells us patience allows us to stand our ground, or even advance, despite things being difficult, in the same way as we can physically lean into a strong wind and take steps into it. It's almost a metaphor.


buggles (not a teacher)

[Offroad]

It tells us patience allows us to stand our ground, or even advance, despite things being difficult, in the same way as we can physically lean into a strong wind and take steps into it. It's almost a metaphor.


buggles (not a teacher)

Yes, it means 'sailing directly to the wind, against the wind'.

source: item 28.