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any port in a storm

/ˈɛni pɔrt ɪn ə stɔrm/
IPA guide

Any port in a storm is an idiom meaning that in an emergency, crisis, or difficult situation, you must accept whatever help, shelter, or solution is available — even if it isn't ideal or what you would normally choose.

Any port in a storm essentially means "anything is better than nothing" when you need help. The phrase comes from nautical terminology: A ship caught in a dangerous storm must take shelter in any available port to survive, not try to sail on to a favored harbor. Similarly, if you're stranded in a blizzard, and the closest motel is run-down and noisy, you'll probably stay there because, well, any port in a storm.

Definitions of any port in a storm
  1. idiom
    used to say that, when there is trouble or a crisis, people will accept any help available, even if it's less than ideal
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