What does the idiom "Calm before the storm" mean?
You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase Calm before the storm, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression Calm before the storm used and what is its meaning?
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
Idioms with similar meanings in different languages
"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.
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