What does the phrase words are but wind mean?
"A man may break a word with you, sir; and words are but wind." -William Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors
Words can move objects in their path.
Words are not firm or dependable.
Words may arise strongly and suddenly.
Words can be heard but not seen.
In this phrase, "words are but wind," Shakespeare means that words may sound powerful and convincing when spoken, but they may not always be reliable or true.
