Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Any port in a storm

Any port in a storm: When trouble struck at sea, seamen would go to the nearest to "any port in a storm."  Now this phrase has entered our everyday language and is used when we have problems and any and all help is welcome. 

Meaning: In times of danger, any shelter is better than none. In an emergency, we have to accept whatever solution presents itself (for the time being).
Note: port (noun) = harbour; a place on the coast where ships can find protection from rough seas

Origin: For ships at sea (especially) in older days, a bad storm could be very dangerous, and at such times they had to find shelter in "any port", even one that they would not normally have entered.

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