ENGLISH
REFERENCE

any port in a storm

idiom
Meaning

One should accept any passable option when time is of the essence in an adverse situation.


Origin

first recorded 17th c. disputed origin

Probably from the earlier figurative use of port in a (or the) storm to mean a comfort or refuge in difficult circumstances: see the 1657 quotation.

Examples
SIMPLE

I hate this hotel, but any port in a storm.

CONTEXTUAL

The train was cancelled, so we took a slow bus; any port in a storm when you need to get home.

COMPLEX

With the blizzard worsening and no other shelter nearby, the hikers viewed the abandoned cabin as any port in a storm.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bug storm

    A large number of insects in the air, especially when passed through by a vehicle.

  2. 02

    calm before the storm

    A period of peace before a disturbance or crisis; an unnatural or false calm before a storm.

  3. 03

    cook up a storm

    To make a big fuss, generate a lot of unnecessary talk or activity; make a scene.

  4. 04

    eye of the storm

    A period of calm in a tumultuous time.

  5. 05

    first port of call

    The first place to go to start a process.

  6. 06

    storm off

    to leave somewhere angrily

  7. 07

    storm out of the blocks

    To begin rapidly.

  8. 08

    take by storm

    To seize, overpower, or captivate in a sudden and forceful manner.

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