rain stopped play

rain stopped play

Said when an event is delayed, postponed, or canceled due to rain. Originally used in reference to sports, but used by extension in reference to other outdoor activities. Primarily heard in UK, Ireland. Rain stopped play in the second half of the match, but thankfully they were able to resume after a short delay. We were looking forward to our barbecue yesterday, but the rain stopped play, unfortunately.
See also: play, rain, stop
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • old pals act
  • pull (up) chocks
  • pull chocks
  • et alibi
  • in the can
  • in/with reference to
  • it ain't over till/until it's over
  • it's not over till it's over
  • on tilt
  • blocking and tackling