Tilting at windmills Tilting at windmills Tilting at windmills is an English idiom that means attacking imaginary enemies. The expression is derived from the 1605 novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, and the word "tilt" in this context comes from jousting. The phrase is sometimes used to describe either confrontations where adversaries are incorrectly perceived, or courses of action that are based on misinterpreted or misapplied heroic, romantic, or idealistic justifications. It may also connote an importune, unfounded, and vain effort against adversaries real or imagined for a vain goal. The phrase comes from an episode in the Cervantes novel wherein protagonist
Portland Windmills and the Hutchins map of 1710, where they were depicted as prominent landmarks. It is believed that the two windmills are two of the earliest of their type in the United Kingdom and were probably built by local craftsmen. The mills, which were traditionally operated by the Pearce family, ceased use in the 1890s as mass-produced flour and bread became available through Portland's modern rail and road links. During World War II, the south tower was used as a look-out post. The same tower was renovated by ARC Ltd in 1991. In 2000, some care was given to the windmills