Rain Idioms and What They Mean
Rain idioms are used to talk about weather, emotions, and life situations. These expressions use rain to describe feelings, events, and actions in creative ways. Here are 12 common rain idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Raining cats and dogs
Raining very heavily.
Don’t forget your umbrella—it’s raining cats and dogs!
We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
Save for a rainy day
To save money or resources for a time of need.
I’m putting some money aside to save for a rainy day.
She keeps a little extra food in the pantry, just to save for a rainy day.
Right as rain
Feeling well or in perfect condition.
After a good night’s sleep, I feel right as rain.
He was sick yesterday, but today he’s right as rain.
Rain on someone’s parade
To spoil someone’s plans or good mood.
I hate to rain on your parade, but the event has been canceled.
She rained on my parade by telling me the bad news.
It never rains but it pours
Bad things happen all at once.
First I lost my keys, then my phone died—it never rains but it pours!
He failed the test and got a flat tire—it never rains but it pours.
Come rain or shine
No matter what happens.
I’ll be there come rain or shine.
They run every morning, come rain or shine.
Under the weather
Feeling sick.
I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.
She stayed home because she was under the weather.
Take a rain check
To say no now, but maybe yes later.
I can’t come tonight, but can I take a rain check?
He had to take a rain check on dinner because of work.
Chase rainbows
To try for something impossible or unlikely.
He’s always chasing rainbows with new business ideas.
Stop chasing rainbows and focus on real goals.
As right as rain
Perfectly fine or correct (alternative to “right as rain”).
Everything looks as right as rain now.
The car is as right as rain after the repair.
Rain or shine
Regardless of weather or situation.
The match will happen, rain or shine.
She walks to school every day, rain or shine.
Come in out of the rain
Realize something obvious or stop doing something foolish.
It’s time to come in out of the rain and face the truth.
He needs to come in out of the rain and find a real job.
