Take by Storm, To
Definition: To become quickly famous or popular. The term originally came from the military, where “to storm” meant to lay siege to a fortified position. By the late nineteenth century, however, the term had been extended to mean winning renown or popular acclaim. Augustus Jessop exemplifies this change in The Coming of the Friars (1889): “The Franciscans . . . were taking the world by storm.”
Related & Similar Terms:
- Shoot to fame
- Break onto the scene
- Rocket to stardom
- Become a sensation
- Set the world alight
Proverbs & Expressions:
- Skyrocket to success: A rapid rise to fame or prominence.
- Make waves: Cause a significant impression; attract attention.
- Knock ’em dead: Impress greatly.
- Blow away the competition: Excel far and above the competition.
- Be the toast of the town: To be widely praised and admired, especially in a particular field or place.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Quick fame can be dangerous. If not built on solid foundation, it can take you by storm and leave you weather-worn.” – Stormy Weather
- “Overnight success takes about ten years. Except if it takes you by storm – then hold on to your hat!” – Blitz with Bitz
Suggested Literature:
- Books:
- How to Become Aught Overnight by J.M. Overachieve
- Eureka Moments & Speedy Triumphs by W.H.O.Wouldabe
- Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (for the fight to take it all by storm).
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen (basically a theme song for storm-takers).
- Movies:
- The Social Network: Mark Zuckerberg takes the internet world by storm.
- A Star is Born: Celebrities are literally born when they take audiences by storm.
Inspirational Farewell
Remember: Taking the world by storm means having a whirlwind journey. Embrace the energy, dance in the chaos, and when the storm clears, you’ll find the sun shines brighter on the peaks of your success.
### Which of these phrases means to become famous quickly?
- [x] Take by storm
- [ ] Take by drizzle
- [ ] Sail by breeze
- [ ] Float by cloud
> **Explanation:** "Take by storm" is to achieve rapid fame. The others are just meteorological maybes.
### What does "break onto the scene" mean?
- [ ] Take a gentle stroll into visibility
- [ ] Arrive like a turtle and warm hearts
- [x] Suddenly become well-known or iconic
- [ ] Break a leg on the scene
> **Explanation:** "Break onto the scene" is often used to describe gaining sudden limelight or becoming quickly famous.
### True or False: "Set the world alight" means to start a bonfire.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** “Set the world alight” means to inspire, excite, or gain massive popularity—not an endorsement for pyromania.
### Finish this phrase: "Knock 'em _____"
- [ ] Out
- [ ] Away
- [ ] Slowly
- [x] Dead
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "Knock 'em dead," implying that you're going to impress to an extraordinary degree.
### Pick the idiom that doesn't fit:
- [x] Sneeze quietly
- [ ] Become a sensation
- [ ] Knock 'em dead
- [ ] Shoot to fame
> **Explanation:** "Sneeze quietly" has no place among idioms relating to rapid fame or widespread acclaim. Gesundheit but no cigar.
