Photo: Huffingtonpost
You may have probably seen in the news that the UK has been experiencing some really bad weather in the last few weeks. We have had record levels of rain and gale force winds.
Many parts of the UK, especially the South West, Wales and Somerset have suffered severe floods and continue to do so.
January was recorded to be the wettest month in the South of England since records began in 1910!
There doesn’t seem to be an end to this extreme weather. In fact as I sit at my desk writing this blog, the rain is hitting my window. So, against this backdrop I thought I would share with you some weather idioms linked to the themes of rain, clouds, storms and wind.
RAIN
1. it never rains but it pours – this idiom or proverb means that when one bad thing happens, other bad things will inevitably happen at the same time or quickly one after the other.
Example: I’ve had a horrible week. First I locked myself out of my house, then my car broke down, and today I missed my train to work and was late for an important meeting. It never rains but it pours!
2. take a rain check – if you take a rain check on something you postpone it until another time. (informal English)
Example: I am really behind with work today. Can we take a rain check on that drink tonight?
CLOUDS
3. every cloud has a silver lining – this idiom means that something good always comes from something bad, and there is always a reason to hope, even in the worst situations.
Example: Jane set up her baking school after she lost her job as on office administrator. The school has been a huge success and she has never been happier. I really believe that every cloud has a silver lining.
Have your head in the clouds
4. to have your head in the clouds – to be out of touch with reality: to have ideas and thoughts that are not sensible or practical.
Example: I despair of John. He thinks that getting a job without qualifications is easy these days. He really has his head in the clouds.
5. under a cloud – if someone is under a cloud they are suspected of having done something wrong.
Example: She left the company under a cloud after she was suspected of stealing.
6. on cloud nine – to be extremely happy
Example: I’ve just been promoted and received a pay rise. I am on cloud nine!
On cloud nine
STORM
7. storm in a teacup – to make a big fuss about something of little importance
Example: They had a big argument but it was such a storm in a teacup.
A storm in a teacup
8. the calm before the storm – this is the quiet or peaceful period just before a period of great activity, excitement or arguments.
Example: She sat down with a book and a cup of tea enjoying the calm before the storm when the children would return from school.
WIND
9. sail close to the wind – to do something that is dangerous or only just legal or socially acceptable.
Example: Jack is really sailing close to the wind with his comments about the CEO.
10. to get wind of – to find out about something, usually accidentally or from a confidential source.
Example: The police got wind of the plot to rob the bank.
11. a windfall – a sum of money that you win or receive from someone unexpectedly or from a bank that floats on the stockmarket.
Example: They went on a month-long cruise with the windfall they received from their bank.
under the weather
WEATHER
12. under the weather – to be ill or to feel unwell
Example: I’m feeling under the weather today so I am going to stay in bed.
Do you know other English weather idioms? Do you use them in your conversation?
Do you have similar idioms in your native language? Please share them with me.
If you liked this post, please share it. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog if you don’t want to miss out on my posts.
Ciao for now
Shanthi
