rain

it never rains but it pours misfortunes or difficult situations tend to follow each other in rapid succession or to arrive all at the same time.

rain cats and dogs rain very hard.

☞ Despite much speculation, there is no consensus as to the origin of rain cats and dogs. Suggestions range from the supernatural (cats being associated with witches who were credited with raising storms, dogs being attendants upon Odin, the Scandinavian storm god) to the down-to-earth (animals in medieval times drowning in flooded streets in times of heavy rain and their bodies being assumed by the credulous to have fallen from the skies). Other versions of the saying are rain pitchforks and, in Britain, rain stair rods, which date from the early 19th century and mid 20th century respectively, and reflect the shaft-like appearance of heavy rain. Rain cats and dogs is first recorded in Jonathan Swift's Polite Conversation (1738).

rain on somone's parade prevent someone from enjoying an occasion or event; spoil someone's plans. informal, chiefly North American

(come) rain or shine whether it rains or not; whatever the circumstances.

1994BBC Top Gear Magazine But come rain or shine, there is a torrent of new convertibles about to reach the UK.

right as rain (of a person) perfectly fit and well, especially after a minor illness or accident. informal

2009Thomas EmsonSkarlet You'd only suffer tachycardia. Rapid heartbeat. Your blood pressure'd be normal, and you'd be right as rain in a couple of days.

take a rain check said when politely refusing an offer, with the implication that you may take it up at a later date. North American

☞ A rain check is a ticket given to spectators at US sporting events enabling them to claim a refund of their entrance money or gain admission on another occasion if the event is cancelled because of rain. The rain-check system is mentioned as operating in US sports grounds in the late 19th century; the figurative use of the word dates from the early 20th century.