Englishtake something by storm
Meaning: To win great success or popularity very quickly.
Example: “The young pianist took the competition by storm.”
Equivalents in other languages
German: im Sturm nehmen Literally: To take by storm
Origin: Military to begin with: "storm" as a verb for attacking and forcing entry into a fortified position — scaling walls, breaking gates — was established English by the 1640s, and "take by storm" specifically is on record from the 1680s, describing exactly that kind of fast, forceful assault rather than a slower siege. By the late 1800s the phrase had moved entirely out of warfare and into popular success, describing a person, performance, or product that wins over an audience with the same speed and overwhelming force that once described capturing a fort.
More English idioms
- the wave of the future A strong, growing trend.
- ace in the hole A hidden but effective means of winning a conflict.
- Achilles' heel A person's weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.
- acid test The most crucial or important test of worth.
- across the board Equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases.
- all kidding aside Speaking seriously.
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