Why do we use so many English idioms that are related to the weather in the United States? In an earlier blog post about English conversation practice, we learned how to make small talk and we said that the weather is one of the most common topics for making small talk in English with American people. We love to talk about the weather here in the United States! So, naturally, we have a lot of idioms that are related to the weather. Why are English idioms important for you, as an English student? In your home country, you probably focused on grammar and vocabulary but those are only a few of the tools that you will need to speak with local people in the United States. It is important to understand and know how to use idioms and common expressions. They are fun to learn as well! So, today we will learn a few new idioms that you can use in your everyday conversations in English.
7 English Idioms About Weather:
1. "When it rains, it pours"- When one thing goes wrong, a lot of other things also go wrong.
"I lost my job and my husband left me on the same day. I guess when it rains, it pours"
2. "Rain or Shine"- An event will take place regardless of the weather.
"The weather forecast for tomorrow is not good, but the baseball game will be played rain or shine"
3. To have one's head in the clouds-To be unaware of what's happening in real life. To be constantly day dreaming.
"Sarah never thinks about her future. She always has her head in the clouds"
4. Fairweather friend- Someone who is supportive when things are going well but disappears when you need help.
"Mike is a fairweather friend. He was really nice until I got sick and I needed his help, then he never returned my phone calls"
5. To take a rain check- To say that you can't accept someone's invitation at that time but you would like to accept the invitation for another time.
Joe: "Hey Mary, do you want to go to the movies with me tonight?"
Mary: "That sounds like fun Joe, but I already have plans for tonight. Can I take a rain check on that?"
6. To be under the weather-To feel physically sick. To have a fever or a cold.
"I am going to ask the boss if I can go home early today. I'm really feeling under the weather"
7. "A breath of fresh air"- a relief, in the form of a person or a situation.
"Our new boss is so much nicer than our old boss. He is a breath of fresh air".
Did you enjoy this lesson? Please share it with your friends by using the social media icons above. Thanks so much for your help!
photo credit- Striking Photogrpahy by Bo Insogna
