Indian summer

Definitions

• unseasonably warm weather
  Refers to a period of unseasonably warm and dry weather that occurs in the autumn, typically after the first frost

• late success or resurgence
  Describes a period of renewed success or activity that occurs late in someone's life or career, similar to the unexpected warm weather of an Indian summer

Examples of Indian summer

• Despite the chilly autumn breeze, the sun blazed down on the city, reminding everyone that an Indian summer was just around the corner.

  This is an example of using the idiom "Indian summer" as a metaphor to describe a sudden occurrence of unusually hot weather during autumn, which is similar to the hot and dry weather experienced in India during summer.

• The aroma of crisp fallen leaves mixed with the warm, golden glow of the setting sun that bathed the park in an amber light, alluding to the imminent arrival of an Indian summer.

  Here, the idiom "Indian summer" is being used figuratively to mean that a prolonged period of unseasonably hot weather is likely to follow the autumn season, much like the scorching summer heat in India.

• The sky turned a deep orange as the sun began to set, promising an Indian summer that would last for weeks to come.

  The use of the idiom "Indian summer" in this context refers to a lengthy period of warm and dry weather, commonly experienced during autumn in India, which can also occur in other parts of the world.

• Although the air was crisp and cool, a sudden wave of heat washed over the city, signaling an Indian summer on the horizon.

  The idiom "Indian summer" is being used here to describe an unexpected spell of hot weather in autumn, reminiscent of the dry and humid days experienced in India during summertime.

• The air was thick with heat and humidity, the leaves on the trees turning to crisp shades of red and orange. It was an Indian summer, a deceptively warm spell that often came unexpectedly in late September or early October.

  In the United States, "Indian summer" is a term used to describe a period of unseasonably warm and often hazy weather that occurs in the fall. It's named "Indian summer" because Native American tribes would often hunt during these milder periods before the winter set in. However, the term "Indian" is considered outdated and inaccurate by many due to its colonial history and the potential for misinterpretation as a negative stereotype. Some alternative phrases for "Indian summer" include "second summer," "st. Martin's summer," and "fall Heatwave."

• Despite the calendar insisting it was fall, the weather insisted otherwise. The crops were already starting to wilt under the unrelenting sun and the locals grumbled about the return of an Indian summer.

  In this example, "Indian summer" is being used as a figure of speech to describe the unexpected and unexpectedly warm weather that's occurring in the autumn.

• The hot, sticky air weighed heavily on everyone who stepped outside, as if the very air was pregnant with productiveness. It was an Indian summer that seemed to last forever, a time of lethargy when even the birds seemed to slow down their flights.

  In this example, "Indian summer" is being used to describe the heavy, oppressive feeling of the weather, which makes people and animals seem lethargic. The use of "pregnant" here is a bit figurative, but it conveys the sense of the air being heavy with something, whether it's moisture, warmth, or another quality.

Conclusion

The idiom "Indian summer" can be used to describe unseasonably warm weather in the autumn, as well as a late success or resurgence in someone's life or career. It is a colorful and vivid way to express these ideas, drawing on the image of warm weather coming after the expected end of summer.

Origin of "Indian summer"

The origin of the term "Indian summer" is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the late 18th century. Some believe it may have been influenced by Native American folklore, where warm weather in the autumn was attributed to the work of a benevolent spirit. However, it is also possible that the term was influenced by the early colonial settlers' experiences with the climate in North America. Regardless of its exact origins, "Indian summer" has become a widely recognized and used idiom in the English language, conveying the idea of unexpected warmth and success. Example sentences:

• We've been enjoying an Indian summer this year, with warm temperatures lasting well into October.
• After years of struggling, she experienced an Indian summer in her career, achieving great success in her later years.