buffeted by the wind
/ˈbʌfɪtɪd baɪ ðə wɪnd/
Meaning
This expression describes being repeatedly and violently struck, pushed, or shaken by strong gusts of wind. While it literally describes physical objects or people struggling in a storm, it can also be used metaphorically to describe being tossed around by difficult circumstances. It carries a highly descriptive, dramatic, and formal tone.
Examples
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We struggled to keep our balance on the cliffside, buffeted by the wind.
We struggled to keep our balance on the cliffside, buffeted by the wind.
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The small sailing boat was buffeted by the wind and high waves for hours.
The small sailing boat was buffeted by the wind and high waves for hours.
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As we walked along the pier, our umbrellas were violently buffeted by the wind.
As we walked along the pier, our umbrellas were violently buffeted by the wind.
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The old wooden sign creaked loudly as it was buffeted by the wind.
The old wooden sign creaked loudly as it was buffeted by the wind.
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Even the sturdy oak trees in the garden were heavily buffeted by the wind during last night's storm.
Even the sturdy oak trees in the garden were heavily buffeted by the wind during last night's storm.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The tent was buffered by the wind all night.
✓ The tent was buffeted by the wind all night.
To 'buffer' means to cushion or protect from harm. To 'buffet' (pronounced /ˈbʌfɪt/) means to strike repeatedly. C1 learners often confuse these two phonetically similar verbs.
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✗ We were buffeted with the wind during our coastal hike.
✓ We were buffeted by the wind during our coastal hike.
The passive form of this expression always takes the preposition 'by' to introduce the agent (the wind) causing the action, not 'with'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The hikers on the exposed ridge were ________ as they tried to pitch their tent.
💡 Think of a formal phrase meaning repeatedly struck by strong gusts.
Show answer
buffeted by the wind
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The historic church tower, though ________ for centuries, still stands proud on the hill.
💡 The passive participle form fits perfectly here to describe enduring storms.
Show answer
buffeted by the wind