Idioms — Set 23

Set 23 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: go with the flow, weather the storm, let the dust settle, have your head in the clouds, the calm before the storm. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. go with the flow · idiom/ɡoʊ wɪð ðə floʊ/

   to adapt to circumstances without resistance

   I usually have a plan, but today, I'll just go with the flow.

   Origin: From ancient Stoic philosophy — Marcus Aurelius wrote of accepting nature's flow rather than resisting it.

2. weather the storm · idiom/ˈwɛðɚ ðə stɔrm/

   to endure a difficult situation

   The company managed to weather the storm during the economic crisis.

   Origin: From sailing — ships that successfully sail through bad weather emerge intact on the other side.

3. let the dust settle · idiom/lɛt ðə dʌst ˈsɛɾəl/

   to wait for a situation to become calmer

   Let's not make any big decisions now. We should let the dust settle first.

   Origin: From the 1800s — after a fight or commotion, dust raised in the air physically takes time to fall.

4. have your head in the clouds · idiom/hɛd ɪn ðə klaʊdz/

   to be daydreaming or unrealistic

   He always has his head in the clouds instead of focusing on his work.

   Origin: Used since the 1600s — describes thoughts so disconnected from earthly reality they float in the sky.

5. the calm before the storm · idiom/ðə kɑm bɪˈfɔr ðə stɔrm/

   a peaceful time before a period of chaos

   The quiet office atmosphere was just the calm before the storm of the deadline rush.

   Origin: From sailors' observations — the air often grows unnaturally still in the moments before a violent storm hits.