Explore the origins and meanings of common weather idioms like ‘Under the Weather’ and ‘Steal Someone’s Thunder.’
Learn how the elements have shaped the English language. From the sudden fury of a Perfect Storm to the calm of Cloud Nine, weather idioms allow us to describe our internal emotions using the external world. In this category, we track the atmospheric origins of common phrases—explaining why we “steal thunder” or “take a rain check.”
What Does Steal Someone’s Thunder Mean? The idiom ‘steal/stole someone’s thunder’ can be used seriously but it is often used humorously in regards to trivial but exciting announcements. Similar idioms are steal the limelight and steal the spotlight. Sentence Examples “We were getting ready to announce our engagement when Robby and Becky stole our thunder by telling everyone … Read more
Meaning Of Idiom ‘Snowball Effect’ A snowball effect is when one situation causes similar events at an ever-increasing rate; something becomes ever larger or important at a continuing rate. Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Examples Of Use “On YouTube, the more people who watch and like your videos, … Read more
What Does Perfect Storm Mean? A perfect storm is the simultaneous occurrence of rare or chance events that together produce an unusually bad problem or event, often a catastrophic one. The term ‘perfect storm’ was originally applied to unfortunate and unpleasant events. However, it has long been used more generally to describe even pleasant and welcome ones. … Read more
In English, a ‘rainy day’ is used metaphorically to refer to a time of need or trouble, especially when one does not have much money. Rainy day, then, can be used on its own as an idiom. However, it is most often used in the idiom variation “save something for a rainy day.” Meaning of … Read more
Meaning Of Idiom ‘Freeze Over’ To freeze over, regarding a body of water like a pond or lake, means form a layer of solid ice on the surface; generally, to become covered in a layer of ice (phrasal verb). Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Examples Of Use “The … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Throw Caution to the Wind’ To throw caution to the wind is to act recklessly or rashly. , Usage Today, the idiom is most commonly used with a singular ‘wind,’ but the original idiom was throw caution to the winds. Examples Of Use “Bill decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in his brother … Read more
The idiom raining cats and dogs has been a common English expression since at least the 1800’s. Meaning of Raining Cats and Dogs We say “it’s raining cats and dogs” when there is a heavy downpour. It simply means “a heavy rain.” A synonym for raining buckets. Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe … Read more
Also: Come rain or shine Meaning of Idiom ‘Rain Or Shine’ Rain or shine can have both a more literal meaning and a figurative meaning. Literally, it means whether or not it is raining outside or the sun is shining. Figuratively, it means regardless of circumstances, whether they are good or bad. , Want to see more … Read more
An idiom in use since around the 1900s. Meaning of Rain on Someone’s Parade To rain on someone’s parade is to do something which diminishes their enjoyment, excitement, or enthusiasm. To spoil someone’s plans, as by delivering bad news, etc. We often tell people “don’t rain on my parade,” which means something like “don’t spoil … Read more
Also: Give a rain check Take a rain check Meaning of Rain Check A rain check is a promise that an offer that cannot be accepted now will be extended in the future. To take a rain check is to promise to accept the offer later, and to give a rain check is to promise to renew an offer later. “Rain … Read more