weather the storm
Meaning
To endure a difficult situation or period and survive it without being seriously harmed.
Origin
A nautical metaphor: ships that could “weather” (withstand) a storm by riding it out and staying afloat. The figurative sense broadened to any hardship.
Notes
Common, slightly positive/stoic tone: emphasizes endurance through a temporary crisis (financial trouble, scandal, illness). Used in business and everyday contexts.
Examples
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The small business took a hit during the downturn, but it managed to weather the storm and come out stronger.
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When the scandal broke, she stayed calm and focused on her work to weather the storm.
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They cut unnecessary expenses and leaned on their savings to weather the storm after he lost his job.
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Our team had a rough start this season, but we’re determined to weather the storm and keep improving.
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The old house creaked in the high winds, yet it continued to weather the storm year after year.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually “weather the storm,” with “the” and singular “storm.” Verb inflects (weathered / weathering). Often takes an object like “weather the storm of criticism.”
Synonyms
- ride out the storm
- hang in there
- pull through
- make it through
- survive
- withstand
Antonyms
- give up
- capitulate
- fold
- succumb