Hurricane Sandy, dubbed "Frankenstorm", is expected to bring a "life-threatening" surge flood to the mid-Atlantic coast, including Long Island Sound and New York Harbour. Photo: Nasa/Getty Images
Today's Phrase
If someone is 'in the eye of the storm' it means that they are in the centre of a disagreement.
For example:
Greece is in the eye of the storm which has gathered over the world economy and is threatening to tear the eurozone apart.
Our teacher is making us sit our exams again. Johnny was caught in the eye of the storm after he boasted about cheating.
Don't confuse it with
Another phrase based on meteorology is 'lull before the storm'. That means a quiet time before one of intense activity.
The shop assistants took advantage of the lull before the storm and tidied up the hat display. They knew the moment the doors opened they would be flooded with bargain-hunters.
Interesting fact
Although this phrase is used to describe being at the centre of a problem or dispute, the real 'eye' of a storm is very calm. The eye - a circular area in the middle of a hurricane, which can be up to 65km in diameter - is characterized by light winds and clear skies, which last for a short period before the strong winds, rain and thunder return.
