15 English idioms related to weather

Break the ice

Meaning: to get a conversation started in a social situation, break the awkward silence when meeting someone new.

Example: I met a nice girl for coffee yesterday. At first it was a bit awkward, but I broke the ice with my camp story.

As right as rain

Meaning: to feel well, alright.

Example: I took some medicine before I went to bed and the next morning I was as right as rain.

To be under the weather

Meaning: to feel sick or unhealthy.

Example: Are you coming to the party on Friday? Unfortunately not, I feel a bit under the weather so I want to stay in.

A fair-weather friend

Meaning: someone who is your friend only when you’re in a good situation and they don’t support you in difficult times.

Example: I though Megan would support me when John dumped me, but she turned out to be a fair-weather friend.

Calm before the storm

Meaning: a quiet and peaceful time before something with great activity or difficulty happens.

Example: When the day started out peacefully I knew it was just the calm before the storm. I was expecting a busy day at the office.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: there’s something good in every bad situation.

Example: I’m really sick and feel awful, but I get to stay home, so I can thoroughly prepare for the test on Monday. Every cloud has a silver lining.

It never rains but it pours

Meaning: is used to comment on a situation that when something bad happens usually other bad things happen as well.

Example: First she got locked out of her apartment, then she lost her purse and when she was crossing the road she got splashed by a car. It never rains but it pours!

It’s raining cats and dogs

Meaning: it’s raining very hard, it’s pouring.

Example: I think I’m going to stay in today and read a book. It’s raining cats and dogs.

A storm is brewing

Meaning: there is going to be trouble or an argument.

Example: Everybody is getting on John’s last nerve with all these questions. A storm is brewing.

Steal someone’s thunder

Meaning: to take attention away from someone on their special day i.e. a wedding or birthday.

Example: Look at Jenny in that dress, she really stole the bride’s thunder.

Save it for a rainy day

Meaning: keep something i.e. money for a time when it is needed.

Example: I earned extra money babysitting my neighbor’s kids. I’ll save it for a rainy day.

Take a rain check

Meaning: is used to refuse an offer in a polite way, implying that you may accept it in the future.

Example: Annie, come to the movies with us. Sorry I’ll take a rain check.

To be on cloud nine

Meaning: to be very happy about something

Example: When I finally got the promotion I was on cloud nine.

Rain on someone’s parade

Meaning: to do or say something that spoils someone’s plans or draws attention to the negative aspects of their plans.

Example: I don’t want to rain on your parade, but you can’t go to the movies on Friday, you promised you’d watch your sister, when we go out.

Come rain or shine

Meaning: no matter the circumstances, also whatever the weather is.

Example: I will stand by you come rain or shine, you are my best friend.

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