Thunderous applause
Meaning
This phrase describes extremely loud, enthusiastic, and prolonged clapping from an audience, likened to the sound of thunder.
Origin
The power of language often lies in its ability to borrow grandeur from the natural world to describe human experiences. "Thunderous applause" exemplifies this perfectly, drawing its evocative strength from the raw, overwhelming sound of a thunderstorm. Just as thunder shakes the ground and fills the sky with its booming declaration, so too does a truly enthusiastic audience fill a hall with a booming, resonant wave of clapping. This vivid metaphor likely emerged as people sought a more impactful way to describe an ovation that transcended mere clapping, conveying an intensity that was both physically felt and emotionally overwhelming, a collective roar mirroring nature's mightiest sonic display.
Examples
- After the soprano hit the final high note, thunderous applause erupted from the packed opera house.
- The politician beamed, soaking in the thunderous applause that followed her impassioned speech.