Rain has been a vital force of nature since the beginning of time. It provides nourishment for plants and crops, fills rivers and lakes, and sustains life on Earth.
Given its importance, it is no surprise that rain has become a popular subject of idiomatic expressions in many languages, offering creative ways to describe a wide range of experiences and emotions.
Rain idioms provide a fascinating insight into how different cultures perceive and interpret this natural phenomenon, from its ability to bring life to its power to wash away the old and make way for the new.
In this post, we will explore some of the most intriguing and widely used rain idioms, examining their meanings and origins, and discovering the valuable insights they offer.
Rain idioms
17 Rain Idioms You Should Know (Meaning & Examples)
It’s raining cats and dogs
- Meaning: To be raining very heavily outside
- Example In A Sentence: Kids, do not go outside. It’s raining cats and dogs!
Rain or shine
- Meaning: To do something whether it is raining outside or the sun is shining.
- Example In A Sentence: The baseball game is at 4 pm, rain or shine.
To rain on (someone’s) parade
- Meaning: To spoil something for someone, to ruin one’s plans or tone down their excitement.
- Example In A Sentence: Please, whatever you do, do not rain on your sister’s parade.
It’s raining men
- Meaning: To imply there are many attractive men around.
- Example In A Sentence: Sarah, you need to go to the pool hall. It’s raining men there.
Saving for a rainy day
- Meaning: To save or keep something, until it is truly needed.
- Example In A Sentence: I’m saving my money from Grandma for a rainy day.
Raincheck
- Meaning: To use or take advantage of an invitation at another, more convenient, time
- Example In A Sentence: I’ll take a rain check on the movies tonight. I still have a lot of studying to do.
It’s raining buckets out there
- Meaning: To imply it is raining very heavily outside.
- Example In A Sentence: Be sure to put on your raincoat, it’s raining buckets out there.
To be rained in
- Meaning: Forced to remain inside due to weather conditions.
- Example In A Sentence: I think we’ll be rained in tonight, so let’s order a pizza.
Charge it to the dust and let the rain settle it
- Meaning: Said when someone is not likely or does expect to pay for something.
- Example In A Sentence: John: “You owe $13.97.” Billy: “Charge it to the dust and let the rain settle it.”
When it rains it pours
- Meaning: When something good or bad happens, likely good or bad things will follow.
- Example In A Sentence: Jake: “Not only did you get the job, but you also got a bonus too.” Garret: “What can I say, when it rains it pours!”
Rain down on (someone or something)
- Meaning: To criticize or praise someone continually
- Example In A Sentence: The boss just loves to rain down on her employees with criticism.
It’s raining pitchforks
- Meaning: To rain very heavily.
- Example In A Sentence: Look outside! It’s raining pitchforks out there!
Right as rain
- Meaning: To be correct.
- Example In A Sentence: Well, he was as right as rain about the score of the game.
Rain-off (British English)
- Meaning: When some event is canceled, due to the rain
- Example In A Sentence: The soccer game is a rain-off.
To Rain stair rods (British English)
- Meaning: To rain very heavily.
- Example In A Sentence: It’s raining stair rods in New York City right now.
Come in out of the rain
- Meaning: To wake up to reality.
- Example In A Sentence: I know it’s hard Monica, but you need to come in out of the rain and accept the fact that your father has left.
Rain closet
- Meaning: A shower.
- Example In A Sentence: Kids, be sure to get in that rain closet tonight so you’re ready for school tomorrow.
In conclusion, rain idioms are a beautiful example of how language can capture the essence of a natural phenomenon and reflect the human experience.
The diversity and richness of these idiomatic expressions offer a window into the culture and traditions of different societies and highlight the unique ways in which they interact with the environment. Through rain idioms, we learn to appreciate the power and beauty of rain, and we gain a deeper understanding of its role in shaping our world and our lives.
Moreover, these idioms remind us of the universal truth that, like rain, life is a cycle of renewal and growth, and that the storms we face can bring about new beginnings and fresh perspectives.
In this way, rain idioms not only enrich our language but also inspire us to embrace the challenges of life with courage and optimism.
And that is going to conclude my list of the top rain idioms. Which one is your favorite?
