Blitz spirit
Meaning
The public spirit of courage, resilience, and unity displayed by the British people, especially referring to the collective fortitude shown during the German air raids of World War II.
Origin
From September 1940 to May 1941, German bombers rained destruction upon Britain's cities in a relentless campaign of aerial attacks known as the 'Blitz'—a shortened form of the German 'Blitzkrieg,' or 'lightning war.' While bombs tore through homes and infrastructure, the civilian population, particularly in London, refused to be broken. They sheltered in tube stations, picked through rubble, and emerged each morning with an unwavering resolve to carry on, often helping strangers and maintaining a defiant cheerfulness. This collective fortitude, characterized by stoicism, unity, and a determination to 'keep calm and carry on' amidst terror, forged a powerful national legend that quickly became known as the 'Blitz spirit,' an enduring symbol of British resilience.
Examples
- Despite the power cut and the unexpected snowfall, the community pulled together with true Blitz spirit to clear the roads and check on the elderly.
- When faced with overwhelming challenges in the project, the team channeled a Blitz spirit, working together tirelessly to overcome every obstacle.