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Indian summer
01
a period marked by unusually dry and warm weather that often occurs at late autumn
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "Indian summer" and when to use it?
The idiom "Indian summer" has its origin in North America and refers to a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather that occurs in late autumn. The term "Indian" in this context does not refer to Native American culture but rather to the perception that these weather conditions were commonly experienced by Native Americans during their hunting season. This phrase has been used since the late 18th century to describe this specific weather phenomenon.
Examples
We thought winter had arrived, but then we had a week of Indian summer with sunny days and mild temperatures.
During the Indian summer, the leaves on the trees turned brilliant shades of red and gold.
02
a late phase of success, happiness, or vitality, especially after a period of decline or inactivity
Examples
His final novel was an Indian summer of creativity.
She found love again in an Indian summer of her life.
