English forecast

How storms and sunshine shaped the way we talk: 12 idioms decoded

Image: Kir Simakov

Weather shapes more than just the land — it shapes language too! From "under the weather" to "every cloud has a silver lining," weather-inspired idioms reveal centuries of human observation, culture, and storytelling. Here, we explore 12 of the most colorful phrases that use the climate to express emotion, behavior, and fate.

Image: Greg Pappas

Originally a maritime expression, sailors used "under the weather" to describe seasickness or being knocked down by bad weather. The phrase eventually broadened to mean generally feeling unwell.

At the time, sickness was often blamed on stormy conditions, as exposure to harsh weather could make one weak. Today, it’s a common way to explain low energy or mild illness without clinical detail.

Image: Shashank Sahay

This phrase comes from John Milton’s 1634 poem "Comus", highlighting hope even in dark times. It likens clouds to problems, with sunlight peeking as a symbol of opportunity.

The idiom has been widely adopted in English literature and daily conversation. It encourages resilience, suggesting that difficult experiences often carry hidden benefits or lessons within.

Image: stelios theofilou

Originating in the early 18th century, playwright John Dennis invented a "thunder machine" for a play. Competitors later stole his idea, prompting Dennis to accuse them of "stealing his thunder."

Today, the idiom means taking credit for someone else’s idea or preempting their achievement.

Image: Dave Hoefler

Derived from meteorology, this phrase refers to unusually peaceful conditions before a severe storm. As an idiom, the metaphor emphasizes the often deceptive nature of calm periods.

There’s real science behind too! Meteorologists note that real storms are often preceded by a drop in wind and pressure, creating a brief lull before turbulence hits.

Image: Lili Kovac

First recorded in the 16th century, this phrase refers to abandoning prudence, likening "caution" to something thrown into unpredictable air currents.

The wind has long symbolized both freedom and risk in language and literature. Certainly, the metaphor’s vivid imagery has helped the phrase endure in English for centuries.

Image: Geetanjal Khanna

Originating in 19th-century American baseball, fans received "rain checks" when games were canceled due to weather. It guaranteed admission at a later date.

The phrase later expanded into general use, signaling a polite postponement or decline of an invitation.

Image: Lakindu Sepala

One explanation for the origin of this phrase dates to 17th-century England, where heavy storms often washed unfortunate animals into the streets. Another theory traces it to the Greek kata doxa, meaning "against what’s expected."

Today, it simply exaggerates intense rainfall. Its bizarre imagery has made it one of the most memorable English weather idioms.

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Linked to Irish folklore, rainbows were often thought to hide treasure or symbolize promise. The phrase metaphorically describes the pursuit of something unattainable.

Scientifically, rainbows form when light refracts through water droplets, a precise combination of conditions that makes them relatively rare and fleeting.

Image: Lydia Norstad

British in origin, the phrase compares intense disputes over trivial matters to a violent storm contained within the confines of a teacup.

Its absurd imagery warns against overreacting and points to how perception can easily magnify objectively minor events.

Image: Duncan Kidd

This military-inspired idiom compares rapid, forceful success to a sudden storm. It first appeared in the 18th century to describe swift battlefield victories.

The imagery captures the unstoppable force of a fierce stormfront. Today, it is used in politics, entertainment, and business to describe swift, wide-reaching impact or decisive victories.

Image: Sam McNamara

Never trust a fair-weather friend… this cautionary phrase compares fickle friendships to sunny weather, thriving only when times are good and disappearing at the first sign of trouble.

First recorded in the 1600s, the idiom warns against unreliable allies and remains common in modern vocabulary.

Image: Kumiko SHIMIZU

This idiom derives from the real phenomenon of lightning appearing from a seemingly clear sky, likening unexpected events to this rare meteorological occurrence.

The earliest recorded use in English dates to the 19th century, and it was often originally phrased as "a bolt out of the blue."

GREATEST STYLE HITS

You Probably Wore These: 10 Decade-Defining Fashion Trends!

Image: Nik Korba

We know that keeping pace with the speed of fashion's evolution can be challenging. However, in the wide range of trends that emerged across the decades, some stood out, leaving a mark and defining an era.

Quoting Heraclitus' wisdom, we can think of fashion as the water of a river: it's ever-changing. And while there will always be comebacks, trends never return quite the same, but with a twist that transforms each of them into something unique.

From the popular miniskirts to the different styles of jeans, let's venture on a journey through fashion history, recalling 10 iconic trends that undoubtedly found a place in our closets. We bet you've worn some of these at one point!

Image: Tessa Simpson

Although they emerged among military pilots and aviators in the first decade of the 20th century, it wasn't until the defiant 1950s that leather jackets elevated to fashion icon status.

Worn primarily as a statement of style and rebellion, especially among young men, leather jackets became the ultimate symbol of cool. And that was, in part, thanks to iconic bad boys of the silver screen, such as Marlon Brando in "The Wild One" (1953), and music legends like the one and only Elvis Presley.

To this day, our closets still shelter this kind of jacket that resists the passage of time and defies the whims of fleeting fashions.

Image: National Archives and Records Administration

Originally appearing in ancient times as a type of military headgear, pillbox hats made a modern comeback in the 1930s. They gained widespread popularity among European royals, becoming a symbol of elegance and style.

But it wasn't until the early 1960s that pillbox hats captured worldwide attention. This was thanks to the admired First Lady Jackie Kennedy and her impeccable fashion sense.

Jackie made these hats her staple. And, you know, her influence cut deep, since every woman wanted to imitate her, leading to a widespread fashion frenzy across America.

Image: Anton Mislawsky

The miniskirt has undoubtedly revolutionized the fashion world. Emerging in the early 1960s, this garment quickly became an icon of style, particularly reaching its peak in the UK by the mid-decade. While some manifestations of above-the-knee skirts had appeared throughout history, it was the visionary work of British fashion designer Mary Quant that catapulted the mini into the mainstream.

Since its popularization over 60 years ago, the miniskirt has proven its indisputable power, constantly reinventing itself with each resurgence.

Image: Annie Spratt

While bell bottoms or flared pants may be familiar to most of us, the story behind the conception of these garments dives deep into the world of sailors, an origin that few know about.

At the very beginning of the 19th century, sailors boasted distinctive pants that flared from the knee, ending in the iconic bell-bottom shape we know today.

However, it wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the rise of the hippie and counterculture movements, that bell bottoms experienced a major revival. This time around, they reached a wider audience, adapting to a variety of styles and becoming an unmistakable symbol of the era, transcending all ages and genders!

Image: April Laugh

Spandex jumped into the spotlight during the fitness frenzy of the late 1970s and early 1980s. From tights and shorts to bodysuits, spandex abounded not only in gyms but also on the streets and nightclubs.

As with other famous trends, superstars helped drive the spandex boom. Icons like Jane Fonda and Blondie’s vocalist Debbie Harry, are a clear example. But the one that most contributed to its popularity and definitely solidified her reign as the queen of spandex was the unforgettable Olivia Newton-John in the music video for "Physical" and the classic movie "Grease" (1978).

Image: Dancewear Central

Who could forget Jennifer Beals' final audition scene in Flashdance? It is etched in our memories, right? But it wasn't just her awesome dance moves that captivated an entire generation; her outfit made quite the impression too.

The leggings and that voluminous hairstyle were undeniably gorgeous, but it was those famous leg warmers that truly stole the show.

They were originally crafted to protect dancers' legs and ankles against potential injuries. But thanks to movies like "Fame" (1980) and "Flashdance" (1983), coupled with the influence of Jane Fonda's workout videos, leg warmers became an omnipresent fashion statement. Young people everywhere adopted them; what a feeling!

Image: Divazus Fabric Store

Plaid has always been around, from its emergence in Scotland many years ago to the present day. However, it experienced a couple of notorious peaks during the tumultuous 20th century worth pointing out.

In the late 1970s, Daisy from "The Dukes of Hazzard" famously tied a plaid shirt above her waist, sparking a fashion trend that fascinated an entire generation.

Then, during the wild 1990s, plaid was back in the spotlight. Far from its monarchy-related origins, the plaid flannel shirt became a symbol of the grunge movement, worn by members and fans of bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana.

But the real boom came with the movie "Clueless" (1995), which catapulted the plaid suit to worldwide fame.

Image: Mark J Sebastian

Nowadays, many women have declared tight low-rise jeans fully extinct, but by the late 1990s and early 2000s, this type of pants dominated the fashion scene everywhere.

Also known as low-cut jeans, they epitomized the era. While men sported wide and loose low-rise pants, often revealing glimpses of their underwear, women opted for tighter-fitting styles that hugged their lower hips, often paired with crop tops that exposed their belly buttons.

Madonna, the Spice Girls, and Britney Spears (who still prefers them) were among its greatest exponents. Just take a look at red carpet shows of that era; you'll spot this type of jeans everywhere!

Image: Erriko Boccia

Also originating hundreds of years ago, platform shoes have had their share of ups and downs throughout history.

However, platforms are mostly associated with one of their most famous moments: the 1970s. Worn by both women and men, platform sandals and boots were the epitome of cool, and the higher the platform, the better.

Maybe you remember one of their more recent revivals. Around 2010, young women began embracing platforms again, as they seemed more comfortable than high heels for a long night out. This time, the trend didn't quite reach men, who cleverly stuck with sneakers for all their looks.

Image: Brooke Cagle

While already familiar to all 1970s and 1980s fashionistas, the oversize style has made a comeback in recent years, once again captivating young people.

These days, it seems like almost every garment is part of this trend. T-shirts, shirts, pants, jackets, blazers, and even dresses can all be worn a few sizes larger for that cool, relaxed look. The key lies in how you combine them.

According to fashion specialists, the current era is defined by a shift away from tight-fitting garments in favor of comfort, all while maintaining a strong sense of style.