What does the idiom "Calm before the storm" mean?

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. Calm before the storm meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "Calm before the storm"

Meaning

The idiom “calm before the storm” is used to describe a seemingly calm period of time that precedes a period of great trouble, change, or upheaval. It is used to refer to a situation that appears peaceful and uneventful but which is about to be followed by something much more dramatic, like a storm. In some cases, it can also be used to describe a situation where underlying tensions or conflicts are brewing beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful situation.

Etymology

The phrase “calm before the storm” has roots in meteorology, where it is used to describe the temporary decrease in wind and rainfall that is often observed before the arrival of a tornado, hurricane, or other severe weather event. The phrase was first used in its current form in 1651 by poet Thomas Fuller, who wrote “There’s a calm before the storm.”

In the 18th century, it began to be used more metaphorically to describe non-weather related situations. By the early 19th century, it had taken on the meaning we are familiar with today, and has been used by authors such as William Thackeray and Elizabeth Gaskell.

Usage

The phrase “calm before the storm” is most commonly used in informal situations such as everyday conversation or within literature. It has become a popular saying, and is often used to foreshadow a coming event. It can be used to describe a variety of situations, from times of great upheaval such as war or natural disasters, to more personal events such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a job.

The phrase can also be used to describe a situation where gathering tensions or conflicts are simmering just beneath the surface, and are likely to erupt in the near future. It can be used to refer to a situation in which everything appears to be calm and normal, while the person speaking is aware of an impending disaster.

Example Sentences

  • We’ve been in a calm before the storm the past few days; I have a feeling something big is going to happen soon.
  • The quiet before the storm was almost

The meanings of the words in the "Calm before the storm" idiom

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.

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