Rain is an essential part of our natural world and has been for centuries. It nourishes the earth, provides drinking water for humans and animals, and sustains crops. It is no surprise that rain has become a popular topic for idiomatic expressions in many languages. English is no exception, with a wide range of idioms related to rain that are used in everyday conversation.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common rain idioms used in English. We will discuss their meanings, origins, and usage in everyday conversation.
Rain Idioms
Here are some useful idiomatic expressions with rain in English.
It’s raining cats and dogs
- It is raining heavily
- We’ll have to cancel the cricket match, it’s raining cats and dogs.
(Come) Rain or shine
- Whatever the weather is like
- Come rain or shine, I’ll see you on Thursday.
As right as rain
- Perfectly well, completely all right
- He then closed it and felt as right as rain.
Keep/ save (something) for a rainy day
- To keep/ save something for when it may be needed in the future
- Luckily she had saved some money for a rainy day.
Rain on (somebody’s) parade
- To prevent someone from enjoying an event; spoil someone’s plans
- John was excited to show off his new car at the party, but the rain poured down and really rained on his parade.
Take a rain check
- If you take a rain check on something you postpone it until another time
- I guess I’ll have to take a rain check on that.
It never rains but it pours
- To comment on a situation that when something bad happens usually other bad things happen as well
- First, my car broke down, and then I lost my key. It never rains but it pours.
Common Rain Idioms
Positive Rain Idioms
Rain can be seen as a positive thing in some idioms. Here are a few examples:
- Rain brings blessings: This idiom suggests that rain is a good thing and can bring good luck or fortune.
- Rainbow after the rain: This idiom suggests that something good will come after a difficult time or hardship.
- April showers bring May flowers: This idiom suggests that hard work and perseverance will lead to positive outcomes.
Negative Rain Idioms
Rain can also be seen as a negative thing in some idioms. Here are a few examples:
- It’s raining cats and dogs: This is one of the most popular and well-known rain idioms, but it is used to describe heavy rainfall.
- Rain on someone’s parade: This idiom suggests that someone is spoiling the fun or ruining a good time.
- When it rains, it pours: This idiom suggests that when something bad happens, other bad things tend to happen at the same time.
Rain Idioms in Literature
Rain idioms have been a popular element in literature for centuries. They add depth and vividness to the language, making it more engaging and captivating for readers. Many famous authors have used rain idioms in their works to describe various situations and emotions. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular rain idioms used in literature.
One of the most famous rain idioms in literature is “it’s raining cats and dogs.” This idiom is used to describe heavy rainfall and has been used in works by famous authors like Jonathan Swift and Henry Fielding. In Swift’s “A Description of a City Shower,” he uses the phrase to describe the intensity of the rainfall in a city.
Another popular rain idiom in literature is “to be under the weather.” This idiom is used to describe a person who is feeling unwell or sick. It has been used in works by authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. In Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the character Bob Cratchit is described as being “a little under the weather,” which adds to the overall mood of the story.
In addition to these popular rain idioms, there are many others that have been used in literature. Some of these include “to rain on someone’s parade,” “to save something for a rainy day,” and “to weather the storm.” These idioms are used to describe a variety of situations and emotions, from disappointment to preparation for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the idiom for raining very hard?
The idiom for raining very hard is “raining cats and dogs”. It is used to describe a heavy downpour of rain.
What is a phrase for heavy rain?
A phrase for heavy rain is “pouring rain”. It is used to describe a continuous and heavy rainfall.
What is the idiom of for a rainy day?
The idiom for a rainy day is “save for a rainy day”. It is used to describe saving money or resources for a future time of need.
What are the proverbs for rain?
Some proverbs for rain are “April showers bring May flowers” and “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day”.
What are some English idioms for bad weather?
Some English idioms for bad weather are “under the weather”, “weather the storm”, and “in the eye of the storm”.
What are some idioms to describe windy weather?
Some idioms to describe windy weather are “blow someone away”, “wind at your back”, and “gone with the wind”.
Last Updated on November 14, 2023