take by storm

Idioms and Phrases

Make a vivid impression on, quickly win popular acclaim or renown, as in The new rock group took the town by storm . This usage transfers the original military meaning of the phrase, “assault in a violent attack,” to more peaceful endeavors. [Mid-1800s]

Related Words

• ambush
• annex
• apprehend
• arrest
• capture
• catch
• commandeer
• confiscate
• force
• grab
• hijack
• impound
• kidnap
• occupy
• overrun
• take
• take over