Idioms are fun phrases that mean something different than the actual words inside them. People use them to make conversation more colorful and paint pictures with their words. In this article, you will learn fifty fun idioms that people use when talking about rainy weather.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean water falling from the sky and gloomy storms. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Rainy Weather
1. Rain cats and dogs
Definition: To rain very hard and heavily outside.
Used in a Sentence: We had to cancel our baseball game because it started to rain cats and dogs. / Make sure you take a heavy umbrella since it is going to rain cats and dogs today.
Similar Expressions: Pouring buckets / Teeming down
2. Right as rain
Definition: To feel completely healthy and well again after being sick.
Used in a Sentence: After a good night of sleep and some warm soup, Grandma felt right as rain. / My knee hurts a little right now, but I will be right as rain by tomorrow morning.
Similar Expressions: Fit as a fiddle / Right in peak shape
3. Save for a rainy day
Definition: To save money or things for a time when you might need them later.
Used in a Sentence: Dad told me to put half of my birthday money into my piggy bank to save for a rainy day. / It is smart to keep extra batteries in your closet to save for a rainy day.
Similar Expressions: Put something aside / Store for the future
4. Come rain or shine
Definition: No matter what happens or what the weather turns out to be.
Used in a Sentence: Our school camping trip is happening next week, come rain or shine. / My dog waits by the front door for me to come home from school every day, come rain or shine.
Similar Expressions: No matter what / Whatever happens
5. Take a rain check
Definition: To politely decline an invitation now with the hope of doing it later.
Used in a Sentence: I cannot go to the park with you today, but can I take a rain check for tomorrow? / Sarah had to take a rain check on her piano lesson because she felt sick.
Similar Expressions: Do it later / Postpone for now
6. Steal someone is thunder
Definition: To take the praise or attention away from someone else’s big moment.
Used in a Sentence: Mark announced his big news first so he did not mean to steal his brother is thunder. / Leo wore a super loud costume to the party just to steal the birthday boy is thunder.
Similar Expressions: Hog the spotlight / Take the glory
7. Under the weather
Definition: To feel slightly sick, tired, or unwell.
Used in a Sentence: I stayed home from school today because I was feeling a little under the weather. / My teacher looked under the weather this morning so we let her rest.
Similar Expressions: Feeling poorly / Feeling sick
8. Chasing rainbows
Definition: To chase after goals or dreams that are impossible to reach.
Used in a Sentence: Trying to finish all twenty video game levels in one hour is like chasing rainbows. / Mom said that wanting a pet dragon is just chasing rainbows.
Similar Expressions: Wild goose chase / Dreaming the impossible
9. Cloud nine
Definition: A state of extreme happiness and joy.
Used in a Sentence: When I found out I won first place in the art contest, I was on cloud nine. / Mia was on cloud nine after getting her very first puppy.
Similar Expressions: On top of the world / Walking on air
10. Every cloud has a silver lining
Definition: Every bad or difficult situation has some good aspect to it.
Used in a Sentence: We missed our picnic because of a storm, but we had fun indoor board games because every cloud has a silver lining. / Losing my favorite pencil led me to find a better one, proving every cloud has a silver lining.
Similar Expressions: Look on the bright side / Good in every bad
11. Storm in a teacup
Definition: A big fuss or worry made over something that is not important.
Used in a Sentence: Arguing over who gets the last blue crayon is just a storm in a teacup. / The kids panicked when the lights flickered, but it was just a storm in a teacup.
Similar Expressions: Much ado about nothing / Mountain out of a molehill
12. Weather the storm
Definition: To successfully survive a difficult time or problem.
Used in a Sentence: Our old tree managed to weather the storm without losing any main branches. / If we stick together as a family, we can weather any storm.
Similar Expressions: Ride it out / Pull through
13. Face like a thunderstorm
Definition: Having an angry or very unhappy facial expression.
Used in a Sentence: When Liam was told he could not play video games, he walked around with a face like a thunderstorm. / The coach had a face like a thunderstorm after our team lost the game.
Similar Expressions: Looking grumpy / Pouting face
14. Keep a weather eye open
Definition: To watch carefully for any changes or signs of trouble.
Used in a Sentence: Keep a weather eye open for the school bus so we do not miss it. / We need to keep a weather eye open for dark clouds while hiking.
Similar Expressions: Stay alert / Keep watch
15. Lightning fast
Definition: Moving or happening with incredible speed.
Used in a Sentence: The runner crossed the finish line with lightning fast speed. / My cat made a lightning fast jump to catch the bouncing yarn.
Similar Expressions: Super quick / Blazing fast
16. A bolt from the blue
Definition: A complete surprise that happens without any warning.
Used in a Sentence: Winning the grand prize in the raffle was a total bolt from the blue. / The unexpected snow day in October came as a bolt from the blue.
Similar Expressions: Out of nowhere / Total surprise
17. Head in the clouds
Definition: Daydreaming and not paying attention to what is happening around you.
Used in a Sentence: Anna missed the teacher is question because she had her head in the clouds. / Stop having your head in the clouds and focus on your homework.
Similar Expressions: Daydreaming / Zoning out
18. Soak up the sun
Definition: To enjoy being outside in warm and sunny weather.
Used in a Sentence: We spent the whole afternoon at the beach to soak up the sun. / The dog loves to lie on the back porch and soak up the sun.
Similar Expressions: Enjoy the warmth / Bask in sunlight
19. Dry spell
Definition: A period of time when nothing interesting or successful happens.
Used in a Sentence: Our basketball team is in a dry spell because we have not scored in three games. / I have not written a new story in weeks because of a writing dry spell.
Similar Expressions: Slump period / Quiet stretch
20. Clear the air
Definition: To get rid of bad feelings or arguments by talking honestly.
Used in a Sentence: Let us talk about why we are mad so we can clear the air. / After the big misunderstanding, an honest conversation helped clear the air.
Similar Expressions: Resolve tension / Clear up problems
21. In a fog
Definition: Being confused, forgetful, or unable to think clearly.
Used in a Sentence: I woke up so early that I walked around in a fog all morning. / Without my glasses on, my brain feels like it is in a fog.
Similar Expressions: Feeling spaced out / Mixed up
22. Fair-weather friend
Definition: Someone who is only your friend when things are easy and good.
Used in a Sentence: Tim stopped hanging out with me when I got hurt, proving he is just a fair-weather friend. / You learn who your true friends are, not just your fair-weather friends, when times get tough.
Similar Expressions: Fake friend / Untrustworthy pal
23. Rain on someone is parade
Definition: To ruin someone is plans, happiness, or excitement.
Used in a Sentence: I hate to rain on your parade, but the park is closed today. / Do not rain on your sister is excitement about her new bike.
Similar Expressions: Spoil the fun / Burst the bubble
24. Full steam ahead
Definition: Moving forward with full energy and without stopping.
Used in a Sentence: Now that we have all our art supplies, it is full steam ahead on the project. / With the weekend arriving, it is full steam ahead for fun activities.
Similar Expressions: Pedal to the metal / Moving fast
25. Ride the wave
Definition: To take advantage of a successful situation or trend.
Used in a Sentence: Our school bake sale is popular right now, so we want to ride the wave and sell extra cookies. / When your team is winning, just relax and ride the wave.
Similar Expressions: Go with the flow / Ride the momentum
26. Break the ice
Definition: To make people feel more comfortable when they first meet.
Used in a Sentence: The teacher played a fun name game to break the ice on the first day of school. / Telling a funny joke is a great way to break the ice with new kids.
Similar Expressions: Ease tension / Start chatting
27. Tip of the iceberg
Definition: A small visible part of a much larger problem or situation.
Used in a Sentence: Making a mistake on page one is only the tip of the iceberg of my math test. / Finding three bugs in the kitchen is just the tip of the iceberg.
Similar Expressions: Small piece of a big puzzle / Just a fraction
28. Caught in a whirlwind
Definition: Being stuck in a situation that is moving too fast and is very busy.
Used in a Sentence: Planning our school talent show left us feeling caught in a whirlwind of tasks. / Moving to a brand new city made me feel caught in a whirlwind.
Similar Expressions: Overwhelmed by chaos / Rushed around
29. Throw cold water on
Definition: To discourage someone or make them feel less excited about an idea.
Used in a Sentence: Do not throw cold water on your brother is cool science project idea. / Mom threw cold water on our plan to stay up until midnight.
Similar Expressions: Discourage plans / Dampen excitement
30. Blow hot and cold
Definition: To keep changing your opinion or feelings about something.
Used in a Sentence: My little brother blows hot and cold about which superhero is his favorite. / You cannot blow hot and cold about joining the club; you must decide.
Similar Expressions: Indecisive / Changing mind constantly
31. Drift with the current
Definition: To let things happen without trying to change or control them.
Used in a Sentence: On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I like to just relax and drift with the current. / Instead of stressing out, just drift with the current and see what happens.
Similar Expressions: Go with the flow / Take it easy
32. In deep water
Definition: In a serious situation or trouble that is hard to handle.
Used in a Sentence: Leo forgot to do his history report and now he is in deep water with the teacher. / If you lie to your parents, you will be in deep water.
Similar Expressions: In hot water / In big trouble
33. Feel the chill
Definition: To feel sudden fear, worry, or a drop in friendliness.
Used in a Sentence: I felt the chill when the principal called my name over the loudspeaker. / When the room went completely quiet, everyone could feel the chill.
Similar Expressions: Get goosebumps / Feel nervous
34. Fresh as a daisy
Definition: Feeling full of energy and completely refreshed.
Used in a Sentence: After a long night of sleep, the baby woke up looking fresh as a daisy. / Even after running a mile, my dog looked fresh as a daisy.
Similar Expressions: Full of energy / Bright-eyed
35. Gathering storm
Definition: Signs that a big problem or argument is about to happen.
Used in a Sentence: With everyone arguing over the rules, we could sense a gathering storm in the room. / Dark looks between the two players signaled a gathering storm.
Similar Expressions: Looming trouble / Growing tension
36. Surf the web
Definition: To look through many different pages on the internet.
Used in a Sentence: I like to surf the web for funny animal videos on the weekend. / Dad spends time each evening to surf the web for news.
Similar Expressions: Browse online / Explore internet pages
37. Drift apart
Definition: To slowly become less close friends over a period of time.
Used in a Sentence: Mark and I started in different classes and began to drift apart. / Toys you do not play with often tend to drift to the back of the closet.
Similar Expressions: Grow distant / Fade away
38. Weather vane
Definition: Someone whose opinions change whenever the popular choice changes.
Used in a Sentence: Do not be a weather vane who agrees with whatever everyone else says. / Sam acts like a weather vane because his favorite color changes every single day.
Similar Expressions: Follower / Changer of mind
39. In the doldrums
Definition: Feeling bored, sad, or stuck with no energy.
Used in a Sentence: A rainy indoor recess put our whole class straight into the doldrums. / Eating too much candy left me feeling in the doldrums all afternoon.
Similar Expressions: Feeling low / Bored out
40. Keep your powder dry
Definition: To stay prepared and ready for action when trouble starts.
Used in a Sentence: Keep your powder dry because the quiz could happen at any moment. / We must keep our powder dry before the big math competition.
Similar Expressions: Stay ready / Be prepared
41. Make waves
Definition: To cause trouble or create a big disturbance in a group.
Used in a Sentence: I just want to follow the rules and not make waves at my new school. / Asking too many questions might make waves, but it helps us learn.
Similar Expressions: Cause a stir / Rock the boat
42. Cool down
Definition: To calm down after being angry or very active.
Used in a Sentence: After running around the playground, I drank cold water to cool down. / Take a few deep breaths to cool down before you speak.
Similar Expressions: Calm down / Relax a bit
43. Safe harbor
Definition: A safe place where you feel protected from harm or stress.
Used in a Sentence: My bedroom is my safe harbor after a long and noisy day at school. / Books provide a safe harbor where my imagination can run wild.
Similar Expressions: Safe haven / Protected place
44. Frozen in time
Definition: Looking like it has stayed exactly the same for many years.
Used in a Sentence: The old family photo album looked like it was frozen in time. / Visiting my old elementary school felt like stepping into a place frozen in time.
Similar Expressions: Unchanged / Timeless
45. Sound the alarm
Definition: To warn people that danger or trouble is coming near.
Used in a Sentence: The smoke detector will sound the alarm if it senses smoke. / My dog began to bark to sound the alarm when the mail carrier arrived.
Similar Expressions: Give a warning / Raise flags
46. Deep freeze
Definition: A state where activity or progress completely stops.
Used in a Sentence: Our plans for the outdoor trip went into a deep freeze because of the snow. / The computer system went into a deep freeze and would not load.
Similar Expressions: Stalled out / On pause
47. Born with a silver spoon
Definition: Born into a very rich family with lots of luxury.
Used in a Sentence: The character in the story lived in a giant castle and was born with a silver spoon. / Not everyone is born with a silver spoon, so hard work matters most.
Similar Expressions: Wealthy background / Rich family
48. Slippery slope
Definition: A small action that leads to a much bigger and worse problem.
Used in a Sentence: Telling one small lie is a slippery slope to losing trust. / Skipping one homework assignment is a slippery slope to falling behind in class.
Similar Expressions: Dangerous path / Risky road
49. Snowball effect
Definition: A situation that grows much faster and larger as it continues.
Used in a Sentence: One little rumor started a snowball effect of whispers across the cafeteria. / Saving small amounts of money creates a snowball effect of savings.
Similar Expressions: Growing fast / Multiplying quickly
50. Water under the bridge
Definition: Past mistakes or arguments that are forgiven and forgotten.
Used in a Sentence: We argued yesterday, but we apologized so it is all water under the bridge now. / Losing our first game is water under the bridge because we won today.
Similar Expressions: In the past / Forgiven and forgotten
Exercise to Practice
- When my soccer game was canceled because of heavy rain, my dad said it was raining cats and dogs.
- After taking a long nap and eating fruit, I felt right as rain and ready to play.
- My teacher told me to spend all my allowance on candy to save for a rainy day.
- We are going to visit the amusement park tomorrow, come rain or shine.
- I could not attend my friend’s birthday party, so I decided to take a rain check.
- When I told everyone about my painting, my brother stole my thunder by showing his own painting.
- I stayed home in bed because I was feeling a little under the weather.
- Trying to jump across the swimming pool using a skateboard is just chasing rainbows.
- Winning the school spelling bee put me on cloud nine all afternoon.
- We missed our soccer practice, but we watched a funny movie instead because every cloud has a silver lining.
- Freaking out over losing a single paperclip is a total storm in a teacup.
- Our house was able to weather the storm when heavy winds blew outside.
- Mom had a face like a thunderstorm when she saw the dirty dishes in the sink.
- Keep a weather eye open for the ice cream truck driving down our street.
- My favorite superhero ran across the city with lightning fast speed.
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
Conclusion
Learning weather idioms helps you understand English in a fun way and makes your writing much more colorful. You can use these fun expressions when talking to your friends or writing stories at school. Try picking one new idiom each day and use it in a sentence during lunch or class!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for rainy weather?
Some very common rainy weather idioms include raining cats and dogs, under the weather, and saving for a rainy day. People use these phrases every day to describe storms, sickness, or saving money.
Why do we use weather idioms in English?
We use weather idioms to paint a clear picture with our words without having to explain everything in detail. They make everyday conversations sound much more creative and interesting.
What does right as rain mean?
Right as rain means that someone feels completely healthy and well again after being sick or tired. For example, a good night of sleep makes you feel right as rain.
Can weather idioms be used for non-weather topics?
Yes, many weather idioms are used for completely different situations like money, health, or feelings. For instance, saving for a rainy day is actually about saving money for the future.
How can I practice learning these idioms?
You can practice by reading them out loud, making up your own silly sentences, and trying to spot them in books. Using them in conversation with friends is also a great way to remember them.
