calm before the storm

American  

[kahm bi-fawr thuh stawrm, kahlm] / ˈkɑm bɪˈfɔr ðə ˈstɔrm, ˈkɑlm /

Also lull before the storm

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.

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Etymology

Origin of calm before the storm

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The moment of this picture might be thought the calm before the storm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

You’ll come to appreciate this calm before the storm.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024

"It's not that they're not going to be a problem, it's just the calm before the storm."

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

In a few decades, we'll look back on 2023 as the calm before the storm, when life was still fairly normal.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2023

It was the calm before the storm: The air becomes still.

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo