- To endure and survive a period of great difficulty, crisis, or turmoil without being destroyed or suffering too much damage.
Explanation
Origin
- A direct metaphor comparing life's crises (financial downturns, intense public criticism, relationship troubles, industry challenges) to a ship or person surviving a literal, dangerous storm.
- It emphasizes resilience, endurance, and the ability to come through a temporary but threatening period intact.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ride it out.
- Tough it out.
- Grind through it.
- Hang tough.
- Make it through.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Get through the shitstorm.
- Survive the fucking hurricane. (Figurative)
- Battle through the crap.
Milder/Formal:
- Endure the difficult period.
- Navigate the challenges successfully.
- Persist through the adversity.
- Withstand the crisis.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, from informal to formal, including business, personal life, and politics.
- Carries a sense of gravity suitable for discussing significant challenges.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The metaphor is quite transparent and unlikely to be misunderstood. It clearly refers to enduring hardship, not literal weather (unless the context is, in fact, about weather).
Examples
- The small business managed to weather the storm of the pandemic by pivoting online.
- Their relationship faced many challenges, but they worked together to weather the storm.
- The politician hoped his reputation could weather the storm of the recent scandal.
Dialogue
Interviewer: Your industry faced significant disruption last year. How did your company cope?
CEO: It was certainly challenging. We had to make some tough decisions, streamline operations, and really focus on our core strengths. It wasn't easy, but we managed to weather the storm.
Interviewer: What advice would you give other businesses facing similar challenges?
CEO: Stay adaptable, communicate clearly with your team, and don't lose sight of your long-term vision.
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn Post: Reflecting on the past year – it was tough, but our team pulled together to weather the storm. Proud of our resilience and looking forward to smoother seas ahead. #Business #Resilience #Teamwork
- Tweet: Sending strength to everyone in [Region affected by disaster]. Hope you can weather the storm and rebuild soon. #CommunitySupport #[RelevantHashtag]
Response Patterns
- Admiration/Respect: That's impressive resilience. / Good for them for making it through.
- Encouragement (if ongoing): You can do it. / Stay strong. / We believe in you.
- Sympathy (if reflecting): That must have been incredibly difficult.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone weathered a storm:
- Ask about the experience: How did you manage that? / What was the key to getting through?
- Express relief/congratulations: I'm so glad you made it through. / Well done for persevering.
If someone is currently weathering a storm:
- Offer support: Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. / Thinking of you during this tough time.
- Express confidence: I know you have the strength to get through this.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes the act of enduring a difficult period.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on WEATHER and STORM.
- Can be spoken with determination (We will WEATHER the STORM) or relief (Glad we WEATHERED that STORM).
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations. Perhaps sounds slightly more formal or traditional than some alternatives but is still widely used.
Regional Variations
- Common and well-understood in all major English-speaking regions.