A storm is brewing Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈstɔɹm/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈbɹuɪŋ

uh-STORM iz BROO-ing

UK

æɪ/ /stˈɔːm/ /ˈɪz/ /bɹˈuːɪŋ

uh-STAWM iz BROO-ing

Definition

This expression literally means that a storm is about to start, but it is often used to say that trouble or conflict is coming soon.

Usage & Nuances

Figurative, somewhat dramatic; used in both literal (weather) and metaphorical (trouble brewing) contexts. Common in conversation and writing. Usually signals tension, argument, or approaching problems.

• Spanish: se avecina una tormenta - se está gestando una tormenta
• Portuguese (BR): uma tempestade está se formando - algo ruim está para acontecer
• Portuguese (PT): está a formar-se uma tempestade - algo mau está para acontecer
• Chinese (Simplified): 暴风雨正在酝酿 - 有大事即将发生
• Chinese (Traditional): 暴風雨正在醞釀 - 有大事即將發生
• Hindi: एक तूफान आने वाला है - कोई बड़ी मुसीबत आने वाली है
• Arabic: عاصفة تلوح في الأفق - هناك أمر خطير قادم
• Bengali: একটি ঝড় আসছে - বিপদের আশঙ্কা (রূপক অর্থে)
• Russian: надвигается буря - назревает конфликт
• Japanese: 嵐が近づいている - 波乱の予感（比喩）
• Vietnamese: một cơn bão đang đến - rắc rối sắp xảy ra (nghĩa bóng)
• Korean: 폭풍이 몰려오고 있다 - 갈등이 예고된다 (비유)
• Turkish: bir fırtına yaklaşıyor - gerginlik yaklaşıyor (mecazi)
• Urdu: طوفان آنے والا ہے - کسی بڑی مشکل کا پیش خیمہ (استعاراتی)
• Indonesian: badai akan datang - masalah mendekat (kiasan)

Example Sentences

Look at those dark clouds; a storm is brewing.

basic

Everyone is arguing. I think a storm is brewing at work.

basic

When the teacher walked in, we knew a storm is brewing.

basic

There's tension between the two teams—a storm is brewing, for sure.

natural

After that comment, you could tell a storm is brewing in this meeting.

natural

Every time they talk politics at dinner, a storm is brewing.

natural