barn-storm
Definition
barn-storm (verb): 1. To perform or campaign in rural areas: "barn-storm" means to travel through small towns or countryside regions, giving performances (e.g., theatrical shows) or making political speeches, often in improvised or temporary venues like barns. - The actors decided to barn-storm across the Midwest, performing in local halls and barns. (They toured rural areas to put on shows.) 2. To engage in a rapid, informal tour for publicity or support: In politics, "barn-storm" refers to a candidate traveling to small communities to rally voters. - The senator barn-stormed through the farming districts to gain grassroots support. (She made a series of short visits to rural areas for political campaigning.)
Usage Examples
- As a verb:
- The circus troupe would barn-storm from village to village, entertaining locals for small fees. (They traveled and performed in rural communities.)
- During the election, the candidate barn-stormed the state, speaking at county fairs and town halls. (He campaigned intensively in small towns.)
- In historical context:
- In the 19th century, traveling actors often barn-stormed the American frontier. (They toured remote areas to perform.)
Advanced Usage
- "to barn-storm a region": to cover a specific area with a series of performances or speeches.
- The comedian barn-stormed the entire province in just two weeks. (He performed in many small towns across the province.)
Variants and Related Words
- barn-storming (adjective or noun): describing the activity or a lively, energetic event.
- The barn-storming tour was a success, drawing crowds in every town. (The energetic tour was popular.)
- Barn-storming was common among early 20th-century aviators, who performed stunts in rural areas. (Aerial displays in the countryside.)
- barn-stormer (noun): a person who barn-storms.
- The barn-stormer was known for his passionate speeches in small-town squares. (A political campaigner who toured rural areas.)
Synonyms
- Tout: to promote or solicit support, especially in a traveling manner.
- Canvass: to go through an area to solicit votes or opinions (often political).
- Tour: to travel from place to place for performance or campaign purposes.
Related Idioms
- Hit the road: to begin a journey or tour, often for performing or campaigning.
- The band hit the road for a barn-storming tour of the countryside. (They started traveling to perform in rural venues.)
- Take to the stump: to campaign politically, especially in small towns (derived from the practice of speaking from a tree stump).
- The candidate took to the stump, barn-storming through the agricultural belt. (He gave speeches in rural areas.)