rain off

rain off

1. verb To delay, postpone, or cancel something because of rain. Usually used in passive constructions. I was really looking forward to the baseball game this weekend, but it was rained off at the last minute. We've been trying to get this roadwork done for a while, but the weather keeps raining it off.
2. noun An event or activity that has been delayed, postponed, or canceled because of rain. Often spelled with a hyphen. Spectators are to be aware that there will be no refunds issued in the event of a rain-off. The whole event was a rain off in the end, which was a major disappointment to the whole team who'd worked so hard setting it up.
See also: off, rain

rain-off

An event that has been or will be canceled due to inclement weather. Primarily heard in UK. Spectators are to be aware that there will be no refunds issued in the event of a rain-off. I was really looking forward to the football match this weekend, but it turned out to be a rain-off.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • perceive
  • perceive (someone or something) as (something)
  • perceive as
  • preclude
  • preclude (someone or something) from (something)
  • preclude from
  • starve (someone or something) of (something)
  • starve of
  • sandwich (someone or something) between (someone or something else)
  • sandwich between
References in periodicals archive
"We've already taken steps to help - the rails have been moved to give us completely fresh ground on the bends, and the sheets, which kept most of last week's rain off the track, have been relaid on the woodside section."
Cartmel calls inspection; IN BRIEF
Alsop has exploited the idea of a single roof to act as a magnet for visitors but also to control the external environment: 'It cools the streets, it keeps the rain off'.
Well tempered in Singapore
I watched mothers gently wiping the rain off photographs of their loved ones at their funerals.
Weep for victims
Twenty-seven British crew members were plucked from three yachts in separate air and sea rescue operations in fierce wind and rain off the Spanish coast yesterday.
British crews saved off Spain
Handymen at Dol-y-Moch had to construct cover to keep the rain off the artwork and the artists during heavy downpours.
Young artists draw praise
New coloured buses, and a whole army of futuristic looking shelters at the bus stops to keep the rain off us.
Eamonn Holmes column: Break time.
Caring Harry yesterday showed what a little Prince he really is - by keeping the rain off the royals.
Harry's a brolly nice lad
Thousands wore free Daily Mirror ponchos to keep the rain off as they listened to the voice that entertained millions around the world.
Emeli brings a bit of Heaven to festival; SINGER IGNORES THE RAIN TO THRILL BELSONIC CROWDS
Those who were there recall The Beatles risking electrocution because promoters were too cheap to keep the rain off the stage.
Your LIFE: WE LOVE TELLY! - DOCUMENTARY BEATLEMANIA - TIMEWATCH BBC2, 9pm