calm before the storm
Upper Intermediate (B2)neutral
A quiet time just before something difficult or bad happens.
"The office felt unusually quiet — it was the calm before the storm of year-end deadlines."
Hear it in context
Super Typhoons Caught on Camera | Gathering Storm MEGA Episode | National Geographic
National Geographic · 60:21
the calm before the storm, beautiful evening.
Nerding Out On My Favorite Cars at China's Cool Car Show in Shenzhen
Larry Chen · 6:54
This is the calm before the storm.
UAE ministers pledge to take energy, trade and defence to the next level
The National News · 2:14
Is this the calm before the storm?
Surviving 5 Star Hotel Kitchen Service | Sorted Food
Sorted Food · 15:43
This is definitely the calm before the storm.
Inside America’s Best Michelin Star Restaurants | Bon Appétit
Bon Appétit · 106:48
[music] It's like the calm before the storm.