As an Amazon Associate, Learn English on the Internet LLC. earns from qualifying purchases through links in this post.
It rains all around the world! Even the driest place in the world gets a drop or two of rain each year. And in some places it rains so much people can’t stop talking about the rain. Where I am from in the United States we talk a lot about the rain because it is important for the crops and the harvest! In English, there are lots of idioms related to rain. Some of them are about the weather and others just use the word rain. Here are five common English idioms about rain which I like to use.
It’s raining cats and dogs
One of the most well-known English idioms for rain is “It’s raining cats and dogs.” You can use this idiom when there is a downpour (or it’s raining A LOT – check out other ways to talk about rain here). Of course, when we say this we don’t actually see cats and dogs falling from the sky! We don’t know why people started using this expression, but it probably has to do with some mythology (or made up historical stories)
Example sentence: Wow, have you looked out the window? It’s raining cats and dogs out there!
Save it for a rainy day
To tell someone to “save something for a rainy day” actually has nothing to do with the weather. Instead, it means to set aside resources, usually money, for a time in the future when things are more difficult and the money is needed. You could also call this a “rainy day fund”. This might be a savings account that you will only use if you lose your job or have a bad accident.
Example sentence: Here’s $100 for your birthday, but maybe instead of spending it you could save it for a rainy day.
Every cloud has a silver lining
This idiom reminds us to find the good, even when times are very challenging. “Every cloud has a silver lining” emphasizes the idea that even when life feels very difficult, there is always something positive to be found.
Example sentence: I know times have been touch, but remember that every cloud has a silver lining.
Rain on someone’s parade
To “rain on someone’s parade” is to be mean the someone is excited about something. You might not intentionally be mean, but you have to share bad news anyways. Remember, a parade is a procession of people and bands or other fun floats usually to celebrate a holiday or other occasion. So if it rained on that day it would ruin the fun, just as giving the bad news or being unpleasant would ruin someone’s big day or excitement.
Example sentence: I really hate to rain on your parade but I have some bad news that I need to tell you.
Come rain or shine
“Come rain or shine” is something you might say if you want to make a promise to always show up or be there for someone. You could say it when committing to doing a job well or promising to be a good partner in a relationship. This idiom doesn’t really mean anything about the weather, but more about the fact that you will continue to fulfill your promise when times are good as well as when times are bad.
Example sentence: I promise to be here for you come rain or shine.
Those are five great English idioms related to rain, do you know any others? There are more that have to do with the actual weather as well as more that don’t. Idioms are always great to learn and using them correctly in conversation can really level up your English!
If you’re ready to practice these English idioms, and learn even more, book a lesson now with a native English speaker!
