Idiom
rained off
Meanings
(British English) Cancelled because of rain, especially an outdoor sporting event or activity.
Definition
If an event is rained off, it is cancelled because of rain.
In British English, something is rained off when it is cancelled due to wet weather, especially rain. It is most often used for outdoor sports matches, events, or activities. People also use it for plans that cannot go ahead because the rain makes conditions unsuitable.
Examples
- The match was rained off just before kick-off.
- Our picnic got rained off, so we went to a café instead.
- The cricket game was rained off after only two overs.
- Training was rained off, so the coach sent everyone home.
- The outdoor concert was rained off because the stage area flooded.
Common mistake
Learners often say “rained out” in British contexts, but “rained off” is the more natural choice in UK English for cancelled events.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.