to windward

adverb

1. toward the wind; toward the point from which the wind blows.

adjective

2. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows (opposed to leeward).

noun

3. the point or quarter from which the wind blows.
4. the side toward the wind.

Idioms

5. to windward, in a position of vantage: We got to windward of the difficulty.Also to the windward.

adjective

1. of, in, or moving to the quarter from which the wind blows
2. to windward of advantageously situated with respect to

noun

3. the windward point
4. the side towards the wind

adverb

5. towards the wind

1540s, from wind (n.) + -ward. Toward an advantageous position, as in We were hoping to get to windward of the situation. This expression transfers the nautical meaning of the phrase, “move in the direction from which the wind blows,” to other kinds of undertaking. Its figurative use dates from the late 1700s.