# Dunkirk spirit

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dunkirk-spirit
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The spirit of the British public pulling together to overcome times of adversity.

## Examples

- The neighbors showed true Dunkirk spirit after the storm.
- We need some Dunkirk spirit to get through this busy week.
- The team shows great Dunkirk spirit whenever things go wrong.
- When the flood destroyed the local park, the town showed a real Dunkirk spirit by working together to clean it up.
- The office staff showed a bit of Dunkirk spirit when the heating failed and everyone shared blankets to finish the project.
- When the bus broke down in the rain, the passengers displayed a Dunkirk spirit by helping each other carry heavy luggage to the station.
- During the long power cut, the whole street relied on Dunkirk spirit as people brought portable stoves outside to cook for their neighbors.
- Despite the severe economic downturn, the community displayed a remarkable Dunkirk spirit, organizing volunteer networks to support those most affected by the crisis.

## Origin

The phrase came into use following the evacuation of allied troops across the English Channel by flotillas of pleasure boats, working barges and other civilian craft at the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.