Weather the storm

Meaning

The idiom "weather the storm" means to face a difficult situation or adversity and endure it, even if it is unpleasant, uncomfortable, or challenging. It implies the ability to cope with a problem and remain strong during a tough time. The figurative meaning of this idiom is similar to its literal meaning but is used in a broader sense to refer to any difficult or stressful situation, not just a specific weather condition. It suggests the person who "weathers the storm" is resilient and able to handle challenging circumstances with grace, fortitude, and determination.

Usage

• She was nervous about going through the divorce process, but she knew she had to weather the storm to come out stronger on the other side.
• The company faced many challenges during the pandemic, but they weathered the storm thanks to their strong financial position and flexible business model.
• The family lost everything in the flood, but they weathered the storm together and were able to rebuild their lives.
• The athlete had a tough race, but he weathered the storm by staying focused and determined throughout the event.
• The political climate is volatile right now, but we need to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context, as it can be used in different ways to convey different meanings. For example, it can be used to describe a personal struggle or a collective effort to overcome a difficult situation. It can also be used to emphasize the strength and resilience of someone who has faced adversity and come out stronger for it.

Roots and History

The idiom "weather the storm" dates back to the 17th century, when sailors would face rough seas and dangerous weather conditions during their voyages. They had to be able to weather the storm and keep their ship and crew safe in order to reach their destination. Over time, the phrase became metaphorical and was used to describe any difficult situation that required one to endure and remain strong. In contemporary language, the idiom has evolved to convey a sense of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It is often used to encourage people to keep going even when things get tough. The meaning and usage of this idiom have remained largely consistent over time, but it has become more widely recognized and understood in modern language.

Synonyms in English

• Endure hardship
• Face challenges head-on
• Overcome obstacles
• Persevere through adversity
• Tough it out

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - Resistir la tempesta (Resist the storm)
• French - Survivre l'orage (Survive the storm)
• German - Das Sturm überstehen (Endure the storm)
• Italian - Superare la tempesta (Overcome the storm)
• Japanese - 売り切れるようになっていく (Soldier on through adversity)

Similar Idioms

• white lie

• blast from the past

• wash dirty linen in public