cook up a storm
To make a big fuss, generate a lot of unnecessary talk or activity; make a scene.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They are cooking up a storm over the new office rules.”
“The neighbors are cooking up a storm because the city plans to build a new road nearby.”
“The sudden announcement of the budget cuts caused the staff to cook up a storm, leading to a heated debate that lasted throughout the afternoon.”
- 01
any port in a storm
One should accept any passable option when time is of the essence in an adverse situation.
- 02
bug storm
A large number of insects in the air, especially when passed through by a vehicle.
- 03
calm before the storm
A period of peace before a disturbance or crisis; an unnatural or false calm before a storm.
- 04
cook someone's goose
To spoil one's plans or hope of success.
- 05
cook the books
To manipulate accounting information, especially illegally.
- 06
eye of the storm
A period of calm in a tumultuous time.
- 07
someone's goose is cooked
All hope is gone; there is no possibility of success; the period of good fortune is over.
- 08
storm off
to leave somewhere angrily
Last updated August 10, 2026