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