The phrase "rain on" can be understood in different ways. At its most basic, it refers to water droplets falling from the sky onto a surface or area. Beyond this, "rain on" is also part of the idiom "rain on someone's parade," which means to spoil someone's fun or plans. In other words, if you're looking forward to something, and someone does something to ruin it, they've "rained on your parade."
In short:
"Rain on" is a phrase with both literal and figurative meanings. It describes rain falling on a particular object or area. Figuratively, when you say someone is "raining on your parade," it means they are spoiling your excitement or plans. The phrase suggests that someone else's actions or words have disrupted your happy moment.
Let's dive into its main meanings and how it's used:
The word "rain" comes from Middle English "reinen," derived from Old English "regnian," with Proto-Germanic roots. "Rain on" literally refers to precipitation falling upon something. Its idiomatic usage to mean spoiling something is more modern and is most recognized in the context of "Don't rain on my parade." The earliest mention of the idiom "rain on my parade" is traced back to the mid-70s. Another source states that this idiom first appeared in the latter half of the 1900s and was popularized by the song "Don't Rain on My Parade" from the musical Funny Girl.
"Don't rain on my parade. And what, he wondered as he settled into a lacrosse story, had ever rained on Muppy's parade?
- A Summer's Worth of Shame: A Novel by Colby F. Rodowsky,
To help you understand how "rain on" is used, let's go through some examples from different situations:
The phrase "rain on" appears in pop culture, typically highlighting a moment where something good gets ruined.
Here are some examples:
Several other ways exist to express the idea of "raining on" something or someone.
Here's a list:
The phrase "rain on" can be understood in two ways. In a literal sense, it refers to precipitation falling on a specific place, object, or event, like "It's going to rain on the parade." In a figurative sense, it means to spoil or dampen someone's mood, plans, or enthusiasm, as in "Don't rain on my parade.
You can use "rain on" both literally and figuratively in sentences. For example, in a literal sense: "It will rain on the city tomorrow." In a figurative sense: "I hate to rain on your parade, but that idea won't work.
Yes, "rain on" often shows up in negative contexts, especially when used figuratively. It's commonly used to describe something that spoils or ruins an otherwise good situation or mood.
Yes, the phrase can be used in a humorous or sarcastic manner to lighten the mood, even though it generally refers to spoiling something. For example, "Well, don't rain on my parade, I thought it was a good joke!"
No, "rain on" can refer to spoiling both big and small events or moments. It could be something as minor as spoiling a good mood or as major as ruining a wedding day.
Yes, it's a common phrase, especially the idiomatic expression "rain on someone's parade." You'll hear it used frequently in everyday conversations and in the media.
The phrase "rain on" and its idiomatic use is understood in many English-speaking countries, though the level of usage might vary.
The tone can vary depending on the context. When used literally, it's neutral. When used figuratively, the tone can often be negative, cautionary, or even humorous.
While not incredibly common in literature, the phrase does appear, especially in works that aim to capture everyday speech or convey irony or disappointment.
Yes, similar phrases include "spoil the fun," "burst the bubble," or "kill the vibe," among others. These expressions carry a similar meaning of putting a damper on things.
Understanding the phrase "rain on" can offer insight into everyday conversations and human emotions' nuance. The phrase is a straightforward way to describe something spoiled or dampened, literally or figuratively.
Here's a quick recap:
