Idiom
rain check
Meanings
A polite way to refuse an invitation now but suggest doing it at a later time.
A voucher from a store allowing you to buy an out-of-stock sale item later for the same price.
Definition
A rain check is a promise to do something later or a coupon allowing you to buy something later at the same deal.
A rain check can mean you politely decline an invitation but suggest meeting or doing the activity another time. It can also mean a voucher a store gives you when an item is sold out, so you can buy it later for the same sale price. The idea comes from events being postponed because of rain.
Examples
- Can I take a rain check on dinner tonight?
- Thanks for the invite, but I’ll have to take a rain check.
- The store gave me a rain check because the coffee maker was sold out.
- If you’re busy, just give me a rain check and we’ll plan something next week.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More nouns
- Monday morning quarterback A “Monday morning quarterback” is someone who criticizes decisions after the outcome is already kno…
- fifth wheel A fifth wheel is a person who feels unnecessary or left out in a group, especially with couples.
- long shot A long shot is something that has a very low chance of success.
- loose cannon A loose cannon is a person who behaves unpredictably and may cause trouble or harm.
- no-brainer A no-brainer is an obvious choice or decision that requires little or no thought.