11 bad weather idioms that will help your writing blow someone away
- Sometimes negative people can rain on your parade, but don’t worry!
- Weather the storm with this collection of weather-inspired phrases
A stormy relationship - both literally and figuratively. Photo: ShutterstockThere’s a tumultuous side to nature that challenges us in unexpected ways. This week, we delve into 11 idioms inspired by bad weather. These phrases, rooted in the elements of storms, rain, wind and more, allow us to deepen our appreciation for how nature influences our language, culture and understanding of the world.
Like a fish in troubled waters
Meaning: someone who thrives in chaotic or difficult situations
Example: During the pandemic, Josie stayed calm and manoeuvred her way through those challenging times like a fish in troubled waters.
Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: to spoil or ruin someone’s plans or mood
Example: Terry was excited to share his plans for travelling around Europe, but his friend’s negative comments rained on his parade and dampened his enthusiasm.
Batten down the hatches
Meaning: to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation, similar to securing a ship’s hatches before a storm at sea
Example: As the storm approached, the residents of the coastal town quickly battened down the hatches, securing their windows with tape and preparing for the strong winds and heavy rain.
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Like a whirlwind
Meaning: someone or something that moves or acts quickly and with great force or energy, similar to the powerful winds of a typhoon
Example: Lisa burst onto the stage like a whirlwind, full of energy and enthusiasm, captivating everyone with her dynamic performance.
Weather the storm
Meaning: to endure or survive a difficult or challenging period, similar to how buildings endure a typhoon
Example: Despite facing financial difficulties and fierce competition, the small shop managed to weather the storm and successfully gained new customers.
Leave a trail of destruction
Meaning: to cause significant damage or chaos in one’s wake, similar to the destructive path left by a powerful storm
Example: The typhoon tore through the village, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, with debris scattered everywhere.
Take a rain check
Meaning: to postpone or reschedule a planned event or activity
Example: I had to take a rain check on going to the concert with my friends because I came down with the flu and couldn’t leave the house.
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Foggy memory
Meaning: a hazy or unclear recollection of past events
Example: After the car accident, Peter had only a foggy memory of what happened, and he struggled to recall specific details.
Thunderous applause
Meaning: very loud or enthusiastic clapping from a crowd
Example: As Mary ended her ballet performance, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause, a testament to her captivating stage presence.
Stormy relationship
Meaning: a relationship characterised by frequent arguments, conflict or turmoil, similar to the turbulent nature of a typhoon
Example: My parents’ stormy relationship is evident in their explosive arguments and misunderstandings, and it leaves all of us emotionally drained.
Blow someone away
Meaning: to amaze or impress someone greatly; often used to describe a surprising or powerful impact, much like the force of a typhoon
Example: On our mother’s birthday, my brother surprised everyone with a red velvet cake he made, blowing us away with his culinary talent.