any port in a storm
One should accept any passable option when time is of the essence in an adverse situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I hate this hotel, but any port in a storm.”
“The rain is heavy, so this small bus stop is any port in a storm.”
“The train was cancelled, so we took a slow bus; any port in a storm when you need to get home.”
“I usually prefer organic food, but since I was starving and nothing else was open, the greasy burger was any port in a storm.”
“He does not like his new boss, but he took the job because he needed money urgently; it was a case of any port in a storm.”
“With the blizzard worsening and no other shelter nearby, the hikers viewed the abandoned cabin as any port in a storm.”
first recorded 17th c. disputed origin
The expression is likely derived from an earlier figurative application of the phrase "port in a (or the) storm" to denote a source of refuge during unfavourable conditions. A use of this imagery is recorded as early as 1657. The construction suggests a maritime necessity wherein the quality of the harbour is secondary to the immediate requirement of surviving the weather.
- 01
bug storm
A large number of insects in the air, especially when passed through by a vehicle.
- 02
calm before the storm
A period of peace before a disturbance or crisis; an unnatural or false calm before a storm.
- 03
cook up a storm
To make a big fuss, generate a lot of unnecessary talk or activity; make a scene.
- 04
eye of the storm
A period of calm in a tumultuous time.
- 05
first port of call
The first place to go to start a process.
- 06
storm off
to leave somewhere angrily
- 07
storm out of the blocks
To begin rapidly.
- 08
take by storm
To seize, overpower, or captivate in a sudden and forceful manner.
Last updated August 10, 2026