1
general::
Phrase(s): take someone or something by storm
1. Fig. to conquer someone or something in a fury. • The army took city after city by storm. • They crashed in and took the general by storm. 2. Fig. to succeed overwhelmingly with someone, some place, or a group. • The singing star took the audience in each town by storm. • The star took the critics by storm.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Make a vivid impression on, quickly win popular acclaim or renown, as in The new rock group took the town by storm. This usage transfers the original military meaning of the phrase, "assault in a violent attack," to more peaceful endeavors. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms