calm before the storm

Also lull be·fore 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

In California and the rest of the U.S., “things are quiet, but I think it’s just a calm before the storm,” Chin-Hong said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In quietest, barely audible passages, the air in the hall had an electric sense of calm before the storm.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the calm before the storm, and there’s already been the storm.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Carter was the calm before the storm.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times