take a rain check
/ˌteɪk ə ˈreɪn tʃek/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to refuse an invitation politely but suggest another time
Examples
- 1Thanks for the invite, but I'll take a rain check — I've got an early shift tomorrow.
- 2Maria took a rain check on the cinema because her little brother was ill.
- 3Can I take a rain check on lunch today and meet you on Friday instead?
- 4Tom never says no to a party, so I was surprised when he took a rain check last night.
- 5Aisha had to take a rain check on the camping trip after hurting her ankle, but she's coming next time.
Grammar
Only take changes form: took, taken. Often followed by on and the invitation: take a rain check on dinner.
More idioms about weather
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →every cloud has a silver liningthere is something good in every bad situationweather the stormto get through a difficult period without serious harmcome rain or shinewhatever happens, in any conditionshave your head in the cloudsto be dreamy and not think about practical thingssteal your thunderto take the attention or praise that someone else expecteda bolt from the bluesomething important that happens completely unexpectedly
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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