sandstorm

Everyday

1. A strong wind in a desert that lifts and carries clouds of sand through the air. tree →
2. (figurative) A wild confusing rush of something. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons sandstorms happen in deserts like the Sahara and in Australia's outback; they can block out the sun, damage crops and make breathing hard. In stories they are a danger for travellers and explorers. Safety: stay indoors, close windows, cover your nose and mouth. Phrases: «caught in a sandstorm», «a sandstorm blew up».

Examples

• The camels lay down when the sandstorm came. tree →
• A huge sandstorm turned the sky orange. tree →
• Stay indoors during a sandstorm and close the windows. tree →
• Sandstorms can carry Sahara dust all the way to Britain. tree →
• The explorers waited in their tent until the sandstorm passed. tree →
• Even on Mars there are giant sandstorms, called dust storms. tree →

Note

Countable: sandstorms. One word. Close to «dust storm» (finer dust, can happen outside deserts). Fact: dust from the Sahara sometimes falls with rain in the UK and colours cars orange.