calm before the storm

[ kahm bi-fawr thuh stawrm, kahlm ]

idiom

1. a lull or temporary period of quiet before a tumultuous event, such as a storm or an episode of excitement, activity, violence, etc.:

   The evening was very pleasant, and it was surprising to see no one taking advantage of the calm before the storm.

   April felt like the calm before the storm as my calendar for May through July has very quickly filled up with concerts, visitors, and trips.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calm before the storm¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The coach and signal caller prayed — as they do before every game, basking in the calm before the storm.

From Los Angeles Times

His music was both the calm before the storm and the tool needed to find peace in the middle of it.

From Los Angeles Times

When the “Flag Flight” charter finally landed at Los Angeles International Airport, taxiing to a hangar away from the main terminals, the mood was celebratory, perhaps a calm before the storm.

From Los Angeles Times

Easy is comfortable in his 50th year, but for a man like him, this is just the calm before the storm.

From Los Angeles Times

“This low April figure may be the calm before the storm.”

From Seattle Times