To weather the storm
Meaning
To successfully endure a difficult or challenging period, just as a ship survives harsh conditions at sea.
Origin
Long before it became a metaphor for human perseverance, the phrase 'to weather the storm' had a literal, perilous meaning for sailors. To 'weather' a storm meant for a ship to successfully navigate and endure the full force of violent winds and towering waves, often by positioning itself to minimize damage and stay afloat. It was a test of both the vessel's strength and the crew's skill to survive the tempest. This vivid image of a ship bravely battling and ultimately overcoming the chaos of the open sea ingrained itself in language, eventually transitioning from the maritime world to describe any situation where one must tough out extreme difficulties and emerge on the other side.
Examples
- Despite numerous setbacks, the small business managed to weather the storm and emerge stronger than before.
- She knew that with enough determination, her family could weather the storm of economic hardship together.