Tilting at Windmills

[bobbobley]

What does this phrase actually mean? Whenever I read it or hear it, it never appears to make much sense within the context in which it was used. Can anyone clarify?

[Blasphemer]

Attacking imaginary enemies

[bobbobley]

thanks, I knew there was a Don Quixote origin but why tilting?

[andy hughes]

The word 'tilting' means to ride towards a target on horseback, with a lance, as the knights used to in jousting, and indeed in battle. So to have a 'tilt' at something means to go full speed (tilt) at it.

[bobbobley]

cheers very much Andy (and hope you had a good birthday weekend!). I'd never heard tilting in that context before and that was what always confused me. Thanks again.

[andy hughes]

You're welcome - as always, and yes thanks i had a great birthday - please refer to the original 'greetings' posting on P&P which people were kind enough to send - details there. A.