English people love to talk about the weather, and especially about the rain. These interesting rain idioms not only cover types of rain but also describe how you are feeling, bad luck, determination and much more.
Alongside this list of expressions about rain, we have also included some storm idioms, since the two often come hand-in-hand, as well as a couple about thunder and rainbows. All of these phrases come with helpful explanations and example sentences, since idioms can be hard to understand.
We also have a helpful article about ways to describe rain in English, which is sure to come in handy when talking about the weather.
Rain idioms
Great weather for ducks
If you want to be optimistic when the weather is bad, you could comment that it is great weather for ducks. Ducks like the rain because it lets them clean and preen their feathers.
Most people will use this expression as a way to joke that even though they aren’t enjoying the weather, at least someone or something else is.
“Look on the bright side, it’s great weather for ducks.”
We have lots more animal-related idioms for you to discover here.
April shower
Sometimes rain idioms are shortened versions of a longer phrase. The full expression here is April showers bring May flowers. It’s a positive way of describing the sporadic light rain in the early spring season.
“I’m not going to bother with an umbrella as it’s only an April shower.”
Spring and flowers go hand-in-hand, and you can discover more flower idioms here.
Come rain or shine
You’ll find that a lot of these rain idioms aren’t actually related to the weather. Here is the first.
When you are determined that something is going to happen no matter what, exaggerate that point by using the saying come rain or shine. It means that nothing will stop you from doing this thing.
“I am determined to pass my driving test come rain or shine.”
“She said she would be here, come rain or shine.”
Sometimes we use this phrase to refer to weather – meaning we will do this thing regardless of whether it is raining – but other times it is used purely figuratively.
Raining cats and dogs
This is one of the most popular and well-known rain idioms, but how did it originate? The term raining cats and dogs is a fabulous way to describe heavy rainfall.
“There is no way I’m going out in that! It’s raining cats and dogs.”
There are plenty of other dog and cat idioms to enjoy.
Make it rain
The term make it rain is from American popular culture. It describes a show of wealth and extravagance whereby you throw money around, perhaps even throwing bills into the air to make it look like it’s raining money. However, the meaning of this expression is different to the one above.
“It can’t wait for payday. I’m going to make it rain.”
It’s raining men
The phrase it’s raining men is taken from the popular song by The Weather Girls of the same name. It’s usually used to suggest that there are lots of single men around, so anybody going out to meet a man stands a good chance!
“I love this nightclub. It’s raining men in here!”
The term ‘It’s raining…’ can also be used to describe excessive amounts of other things. For example, you could say ‘It’s raining money’ or ‘It’s raining opportunity’.
Rain check
American English users will be very familiar with this term, since it originated in the US, even though it’s now used in most English-speaking counties. People use this expression when they need to postpone an appointment or plan but still intend do it at a later date.
“Sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel tonight. Let’s take a rain check.”
It’s very common to use the phrase rain check for arranged dates. You can learn some more phrases about planning for the future here.
Rain on someone’s parade
To rain on someone’s parade is not a kind thing to do. It means you have stopped them from enjoying their event or celebrating their success.
“Don’t be mean, she did really well. It’s not kind to rain on someone’s parade.”
Saving for a rainy day
This one is actually an idiom about money. Saving for a rainy day simply means putting aside extra money in case of any unexpected events.
“I’ve been saving for a rainy day and now I can afford to splash out.”
‘Splash out’ is another phrase that sounds like it’s associated with water. It actually means to spend money extravagantly. Discover some water-related idioms to describe weather, people and more!
A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
Rainbows occur when there is both sun and rain, so a couple of rainbow idioms fit perfectly in this list.
A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow refers to a reward, achievement or goal that’s obtained or attained at the end of a difficult or lengthy process. It’s often something considered elusive or unachievable (just like finding a real pot of gold).
“I’m a bit disheartened right now. Sometimes I just feel like I’m chasing a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.”
“For me, being able to cruise around the world in retirement is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
Chasing rainbows
If someone comments that you are chasing rainbows, you may wish to reconsider your life choices. It would mean that you are pursuing something unrealistic.
“I’m not sure his business is going well. I think he’s chasing rainbows if you ask me.”
Right as rain
Here’s one of the rain idioms associated with health. If you’re in perfect health, feeling fit and well, you are as right as rain.
“Thankfully, he’s out of hospital and feeling right as rain now.”
When it rains, it pours
Most people will be able to identify with this proverb. Sadly, the saying when it rains, it pours is talking about the fact that bad things seem to happen one after another or arrive simultaneously.
“I hear that Betty has had a run of bad luck. Like they say, when it rains, it pours.”
There are variations of this expression including ‘It never rains, but it pours’ and ‘It doesn’t just rain, it pours’.
This isn’t the only saying for when you are experiencing bad luck. In fact, we have a whole list of idioms about bad things happening.
This rain idiom can also be used in a positive sense, although this usage is less common (probably because rain is generally considered a negative thing).
“I’ve been out of work for ages and now I have three job offers! It never rains, but it pours.”
Storm idioms
We have covered some great idioms about rain, so now let’s turn our attention to storm idioms.
A storm in a teacup / tempest in a teapot
Have you ever had an experience where people got upset, offended or angry over something quite unimportant and inconsequential? That’s exactly what this charming little saying is describing.
A storm in a teacup is a more British English idiom, whereas the American English version would be a tempest in a teapot.
“To be honest, it wasn’t that big a deal. Just a bit of a storm in a teacup.”
This is one of many tea idioms we have in English.
A storm is brewing
Be worried if you hear this expression. A storm is brewing is a warning that trouble, bad news or danger lies ahead.
“Be sure to stay out of the boss’s way as I think a storm is brewing.”
This expression can be used in a literal sense when you feel the weather turning stormy.
Weather the storm / ride out the storm
Either of these storm idioms can be used to mean the same thing. When you weather or ride out a storm you are persevering at something, even though there are serious problems and issues along the way.
“Let’s ride out the storm and see what the new year brings.”
“I’m glad we managed to weather that storm; it was worth it in the end.”
If you’re enjoying these phrases about rain and storms, you may also like to add some nature idioms to your vocabulary.
The calm / lull before the storm
The atmosphere can often feel deceptively calm when a storm is approaching. This storm idiom refers to the feeling in a more figurative sense. If you believe that the current feeling of peace is only temporary, and that trouble or trials will follow, you could describe it as the calm (or lull) before the storm.
“I know it seems quiet now, but just wait. This is the calm before the storm.”
You may also hear the calm after the storm or after the storm comes a calm.
Blowing a gale
We sometimes like to exaggerate how bad the weather is using hyperbole, so although a gale is technically a wind blowing at a particularl high speed, people will say it’s blowing a gale when it’s just very windy.
“It’s blowing a gale outside. I hope no trees fall down.”
You can check out some more wind-related idioms here.
Dance / Talk / Cook up a storm
You can use the term ‘… up a storm‘ with all kinds of actions; for example, dance, talk or cook! The phrase is used to describe something done with vigor, passion, and a lot of energy and effort.
“I’m so excited for dinner tonight as Dad is cooking up a storm.”
“Lila has been singing up a storm in preparation for her show next month.”
Brainstorm
You’ll probably hear lots of catchphrases, sayings, and rain and storm idioms like this when at work. The reason brainstorming is often heard at work, in a learning situation or in a team setting is that it involves a group of people. They discuss a topic with the aim of collaborating on improvements, problem-solving or new ideas.
That said, it is also possible to brainstorm alone if you have a moment of clarity.
“Ok team, time to brainstorm and come up with a new product.”
“I can’t believe that brainstorming session went on for three hours!”
There are plenty of other work-related idioms you might want to learn.
Any port in a storm
The saying any port in a storm could be used to explain why, when someone is going through a bad situation or a run of bad luck, they will accept any help or turn to any source of comfort.
“He’s been through a lot and although he doesn’t really want to be back living with his mum, I guess any port in a storm will do.”
You can imagine the origin of this saying: when a storm rolls in at sea, a ship in trouble will seek refuge in any port rather than continuing to its destination.
A face like thunder
If someone has an angry-looking face, they could be described as having a face like thunder.
“Did you see Dave? I’m not sure what’s wrong with him but he had a face like thunder.”
This is one of many useful anger idioms we have in English.
Lightning never strikes twice
Perhaps more of a proverb than an idiom, this shortened phrase is very well used. Taken from the longer version, lightning never strikes twice in the same place, it is a way of saying that something bad or unlucky is unlikely to happen twice in the same way to the same person.
“I can see you’re shaken up from what happened, but you’ll be fine now. After all, lightning never strikes twice.”
This saying may not really be true, but it is a good way to comfort someone anyway. There are other lucky idioms you can use in a similar way, to offer comfort or consolation.
Steal someone’s thunder
To steal someone’s thunder is an interesting expression similar to ‘rain on someone’s parade’.
First of all, to be clear, it is not a kind thing to do. The ‘thunder’ in this case refers to something someone is proud of. It could be an achievement, news they are excited about or something else that puts them in the spotlight. The ‘stealing’ part occurs when another person tries to prevent them from having that moment of attention, praise or success.
“I thought that Margret was the project leader so I’m not sure why Mike tried to steal her thunder.”
“I know you came first, but try not to steal your brother’s thunder. He’s so happy he came third.”
Lightning fast
Lightning fast or as fast as lightning are fun storm idioms to exaggerate how fast someone or something is. You could also use quick as lightning or as quick as a flash to mean the same thing – in fact there are lots more idioms and expressions about speed.
Of course, this saying comes from the fact that lightning moves so fast during a storm.
“That trip was lightning fast. I can’t believe how quickly we got here.”
Are you looking forward to the next opportunity to use these rain idioms? Pick the ones that feel more natural to you and practice them to use in conversation. You’ll be surprised at how many of these are common idioms that people use in everyday English.
Feel free to add other idioms about storms or rain in the comments below, especially if you need help using them correctly.
