# weather the storm

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/weather-the-storm
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To reach the end of a very difficult situation without too much harm or damage.

## Examples

- We will weather the storm together.
- The company faced a difficult year, but they managed to weather the storm by cutting unnecessary costs.
- Despite the sudden economic downturn that threatened to bankrupt the firm, the experienced leadership team successfully weathered the storm and emerged stronger than before.

## Origin

Nautical: a ship that 'weathers' a storm survives it at sea; figurative use from the 17th century. (disputed)

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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.