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 my fun.”
Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Sentence Examples
“Yes, I know the fish don’t bite as well this time of year. Don’t rain on my parade!”
“I know you were expecting an early day, and I don’t want to rain on your parade, but the boss says everyone has to stay late.”
Origin
This idiom may have originated with the 1964 song Don’t Rain on My Parade by Bob Merril. If the expression already existed, the song may have helped it gain wider usage.
Thousands showed up, despite the rain
The reason for the idiom is easy to grasp. The ‘parade’ here refers to a large outdoor public celebration which involves a procession with marching bands, floats, and other attractions that the community comes out to see. If it were to rain on the day of the parade, the fun would certainly be spoiled, thus the idiom.
More Idioms Starting with R
More Parade Idioms
More Rain Idioms
- Save Something for a Rainy Day
- Raining Cats And Dogs
- Rain Or Shine
- Rain Check
- It Never Rains, But It Pours
More Weather Related Idioms
- Steal Someone’s Thunder
- Perfect Storm
- Save Something for a Rainy Day
- Freeze Over
- Raining Cats And Dogs
- Rain Or Shine
- Rain Check