Any port in a storm

The first known publication of the phrase was in a 1749 erotic novel: John Cleland's Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. The phrase, "Pooh!", says he "my dear, any port in a storm." The phrase "any port in a storm" was used to describe a private theatrical play hosted by Lord Eldon in 1809: it was reported in the Augusta Columbian Centinel. In 1841, the phrase became a political slogan for the Whig Party's Winfield Scott as a candidate for US president when party members were opposed to Henry Clay they said, "Give us any port in a storm." In 1908, the phrase appeared in a popular song composed by Kerry Mills and Arthur J. Lamb entitled "Any Old Port in a Storm". == Maritime law ==

It is widely believed that international maritime law allows mariners in distress to "lawfully seek shelter in the closest harbor, regardless of nationality". However, it is not clear that such a doctrine exists. ==Popular culture==

The metaphor is widely used, as in an episode of The Wire, "Port in a Storm". It is sometimes a play on words with port wine, as in an episode of Columbo. The variant "not just any port in a storm" has been used in a variety of contexts, including in reference to port wine. ==See also==