Idioms and Slang 11: Rain

Even though winter is coming, it sure does rain a lot in Alsace! Well, it seems appropriate to talk about some of the common idiomatic expressions with rain. When it rains heavily, you can say, "It's raining cats and dogs."

Various versions of this old expression have existed but the first time it was used in its present form was in 1738 by English author Jonathan Swift. The origins are unclear but it probably relates to the unclean sanitary conditions in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Heavy rains would often carry dead animals along the city streets. Though the animals didn't fall from the sky, the sight of dead cats and dogs floating by could be how the expression, "It's raining cats and dogs" was coined.

Have you ever been invited for drink with a friend but you just didn't have time to go at the moment but you didn't want to say 'no' either? Well, you could always ask him/her for a rain check. This means that you accept his invitation but for a later date. When asked, you say, "I'll take a rain check." This expression which is used in both American and British English likely has its roots in baseball. It was customary to give a rain check when a baseball game was rained out (cancelled because of rain). The fans could redeem the check at another game.

Another useful expression is, "It never rains, it pours." This is used when after one bad thing happens, more bad things happen making the situation worse. I felt that way this month! First I had to replace my catalytic convertor in my car, then I had a flat tire (or tyre in British English), my laptop computer died and on top of that I came down very sick! It was one thing after another! It was also unfortunate because being sick rained on my parade for Thanksgiving. I had planned a big dinner with guest but being sick spoiled all my plans and I had to cancel.

I went to the doctor and he gave me some antibiotics. Soon I was as right as rain. This expression means to feel well. The expression is believed to have originated in Britain in the 19th century but allusion is unclear.

I have a lot of respect for mailmen (or postmen in British English). Come rain or shine they always deliver our letters and unfortunately our bills too! This expression means that regardless the circumstance or regardless the weather, it will happen. To give you a better idea, here are two sentences:

He runs every morning, come rain or shine.

Come rain or shine, I'll be there. I promise.

VOCABULARY

to coin (a word or phrase) - inventer, forger

to redeem - racheter, échanger

catalytic convetor - pot catalytique

to spoil - gâcher

regardless - quoi qu'il en soit, dans tous les cas, de toutes façons