save for a rainy day

save (something) for a rainy day

To reserve something, especially money, for use in a time or period of unforeseen difficulty, trouble, or need. I know you want to buy a new TV with your bonus, but you should really save that money for a rainy day. I save a portion of my wages each month for a rainy day.
See also: rainy, save
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

save (something) for a rainy day

 and put something aside for a rainy day; hold something back for a rainy day; keep something for a rainy day
Fig. to reserve something--usually money--for some future need. I've saved a little money for a rainy day. Keep some extra allowance for a rainy day.
See also: rainy, save
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

save for a rainy day, to

To put something aside for a future time of need. To keep something for future use is a very old concept indeed; to call hard times a “rainy day” dates from the sixteenth century. Nicholas Breton used it in 1582 (Works): “Wise men say keepe somewhat till a rainy day.” Alternative locutions include to lay up for a rainy day (John Clarke, 1639), laying by against a rainy day (Samuel Pepys, 1666), and putting something by for a rainy day. Ring Lardner (Anniversary, 1926) used it ironically: “Louis was saving for a rainy day, and his wife had long ago given up praying for rain.” See also salt away.
See also: rainy, save
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

save for a rainy day

Provide contingency funds for when times are tough. There's no clear answer to when this expression began (some have traced it back to the 16th century), but it's clear that a “rainy day” is the symbol of gloom. The wise course, therefore, is to sock away funds to tide you over when times are tough.
See also: rainy, save
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • hold (something) back for a rainy day
  • keep (something) for a rainy day
  • put (something) aside for a rainy day
  • save (something) for a rainy day
  • save, keep, etc. it for a rainy day
  • rainy
  • rainy day, a
  • a rainy day
  • half the trouble of (something)
  • mad money
References in periodicals archive
Experts expressed concern that Government policies have driven some hard-pressed households to give up trying to save for a rainy day as they continue to grapple with high living costs and poor interest rates which fail to give them any real returns.
Warning over funds dwindling to low levels
Make sure you save for a rainy day. Those words of wisdom have long been uttered by the wise -- but their relevance is all the more pressing.
Every dirham you save secures your future
However, a bill to encourage lower earners to save for a rainy day, has a hint of irony: the rainy days are here, and there is still the need for greater protection for existing savers.
Round two in crunch fight
MY wife and I are 88 years of age and fortunately both our parents taught us how to be frugal and save for a rainy day.
Viewpoints Does anyone REALLY care about carers?
Shannon says his parents always taught him to save for a rainy day, which is why he puts his discretionary income in a liquid account (e.g., a money market).
the POWER of One
A new poll shows more than half are committed spenders who couldn't save for a rainy day even if they wanted to.
We want to spend it all