something is brewing

USAGE SUMMARY

"something is brewing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest that something is happening, often something unexpected or mysterious. For example, "It felt like something was brewing in the air as the storm clouds began to roll in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Something is brewing in the early dining hours besides chai latte.

The New York Times - Food

After a few months of dormancy, TechCrunch reinflates the possibility that something is brewing between the two firms.

The Guardian

In any event, the signs at Sprint seem to suggest something is brewing in the deal kitchen.

The New York Times

"There was no reaction" from any church leaders in that case and other disturbing episodes, he noted, "but something is brewing inside".

The New York Times

But that Ivy Park is, to an extent, a niche fashion genre – fitnesswear – as opposed to, say, shoes, suggests something is brewing in fashion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Something is brewing between Toyota and BMW, in the form of a four-part joint venture aimed at using lightweight materials, fuel-cell technology and batteries to bolster vehicle efficiency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

By late morning it was clear something was brewing.

The Guardian

Even before the news conference started, there were hints that something was brewing.

The New York Times

The Red Sox held a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning Wednesday night, yet the crowd remained alert and interested, as if it knew something was brewing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a very hot day and you felt something was brewing - that atmosphere continued all the way through to the riots," he said.

BBC

While we were chatrouletting in the West, something was brewing in the Chinese Matrix and a homegrown Neo/John Conner had spawned.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Apply this phrase when you want to describe a situation that is developing behind the scenes or is not yet fully visible.

Common error

Do not use "something is brewing" in a strictly literal context unless you are referring to coffee, tea, or beer, as it may confuse the reader. In professional writing, ensure the context clearly supports the metaphorical meaning of a developing situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is brewing" functions as an idiomatic predicate clause. It typically acts as the main verb phrase in a sentence to indicate progress or development of an abstract situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard English expression used to signify that an event is in its formative stages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something is brewing" is a robust and effective idiom for describing developing events. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly usable expression, particularly within news and media contexts. It is most effective when used to create suspense or signal change. While it often suggests impending trouble, it is versatile enough to describe any significant undercover development. For writers seeking more precision, alternatives like "something is afoot" or "trouble is brewing" can be used depending on the specific tone required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trouble is brewing

Specifies that the developing situation is likely to be negative or problematic

something is afoot

Adds a more formal or slightly mysterious, detective-like tone to the observation

something is in the works

Typically refers to a planned project or business deal rather than a vague feeling

something is in the air

Focuses more on a general atmosphere or feeling shared by a group

a storm is gathering

Uses a more dramatic meteorological metaphor to suggest major conflict

something is cooking

Provides a more informal and colloquial culinary metaphor for development

something is on the horizon

Suggests that the event is still some distance away but visible

something is unfolding

Describes a situation that is currently in the process of being revealed

something is imminent

Removes the metaphor to state directly that an event is about to happen

tensions are rising

Specifically refers to increasing hostility or anxiety between parties

FAQs

How to use "something is brewing" in a sentence?

You can use it to suggest a developing situation, for example: "Based on the secret meetings, it is clear that "something is brewing" at the company office."

What does "something is brewing" mean metaphorically?

Metaphorically, it means that a situation—often one that is unpleasant, exciting, or significant—is starting to develop or is about to happen.

What is a more formal way to say "something is brewing"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer to say "something is under way" or "a situation is developing".

Can I use "something is brewing" for positive events?

While it often carries a hint of trouble or mystery, you can certainly use it for positive developments, such as "something special is brewing between the two artists."