The summer of 2021 has been a British summer so far, with its rather unusual heavy rains. To honor this peculiar weather, today’s blog entry is about rain. The Brits have a special relationship with rain, therefore the English language abounds in idioms about this weather phenomenon. Let’s explore together 10 of these surprising expressions.
- rain closet
Meaning: A shower.
Example: There isn’t a proper bathroom in the studio apartment, just a toilet and a tiny rain closet.
- rain stair-rods
Meaning: old-fashioned To rain extremely heavily. Primarily heard in UK.
Example: We’ve been preparing for this match for weeks, but I heard it’s going to be raining stair-rods tomorrow.
- It’s raining pitchforks
Meaning: To rain very heavy.
Example: Look outside! It’s raining pitchforks out there!
- rain down on (someone or something)
Meaning: to pour something, such as criticism or praise, onto someone or something.
Example: The audience rained down compliments on the performers.
- to be rained in
Meaning: Forced to remain inside due to weather conditions.
Example: I think we’ll be rained in tonight, so let’s order a pizza.
- save (something) for a rainy day
Meaning: To reserve something, especially money, for use in a time or period of unforeseen difficulty, trouble, or need.
Example: I know you want to buy a new TV with your bonus, but you should really save that money for a rainy day.
- take a rain check (on something)
Meaning: used for saying that you are not going to accept an offer or suggestion immediately, but you may accept it later
Example: Can I take a rain check on that?
- When it rains it pours
Meaning: When something good or bad happens, likely good or bad things will follow.
Example: After months of looking for a job, I suddenly have three job interviews this week. When it rains, it pours.
- To rain on (someone’s) parade
Meaning: To spoil something for someone, to ruin one’s plans or tone down their excitement.
Example: I hate to rain on your parade, but I think your A in chemistry was actually a clerical error.
- (as) right as rain
Meaning: not ill or injured in any way
Example: A few days in bed and you’ll be as right as rain.
I hope you enjoyed discovering these language gems. Since language is so intimately connected to a people’s mindset and beliefs, learning idioms will help you discover how the speakers’ way of looking at the world around them.
For more expressions and idioms, use:
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com
https://www.macmillandictionary.com
Article by Lavinia Marcu
