in stride
Adverb * Without losing one's composure or equilibrium; calmly and without becoming upset or disturbed by something, especially something negative or challenging. It describes accepting and dealing with a difficult or surprising situation in a calm, unflustered manner as if it were a normal part of progress.
The phrase "in stride" is almost exclusively used with the verbs "take" or "accept." It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying these verbs to describe how someone handles a situation. * take [something] in stride * accept [something] in stride
It is used to praise or note someone's emotional resilience and ability to handle pressure, setbacks, or unusual events without being thrown off course.
- The seasoned politician took the journalist's aggressive questioning in stride, answering calmly and confidently.
- Despite the sudden change in project deadlines, the experienced manager accepted it in stride and quickly adjusted the team's schedule.
- The software update caused some minor issues, but most users took the glitches in stride, knowing a fix was coming.
- She takes all the travel delays and inconveniences in stride, which makes her an excellent frequent flyer.
The idiom originates from the idea of a horse or a person continuing to walk smoothly without breaking their stride (the length and rhythm of a step) even when encountering an obstacle. Figuratively, it means to incorporate a problem or surprise into your ongoing progress without letting it disrupt your pace or emotional state.
- Stride (noun): A long, decisive step. Can also mean a period of progress or advancement (e.g., "Great strides in technology").
- Unflappable (adjective): Having a calm, composed demeanor that is hard to upset. A person who takes things in stride is often described as unflappable.
- Calmly
- Without fuss
- With equanimity
- Without batting an eye
- As a matter of course
- Roll with the punches: To adapt to difficulties or setbacks as they occur. This has a similar meaning but implies a more active adaptation to a series of challenges.
- Keep one's cool: To remain calm and composed. This is a more general phrase for maintaining composure, while "take in stride" specifically refers to reacting to an event.
- without losing equilibrium
- she took all his criticism in stride