Discover the Beauty of Weather Idioms
Learn English Weather Idioms with Meanings and Practical Examples
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Weather idioms are great to learn and we have the ultimate series of weather related articles including cloud, wind, storm, hot and cold weather idioms.
They help you understand native speakers better, they improve your communication skills and the subject of weather is a safe topic that is often used between strangers to make a connection.
ENGLISH IDIOM EXAMPLES
Raining cats and dogs is very heavy rain
Come rain or shine means you will do something no matter what happens
Chasing rainbows is trying to reach impossible goals
Every cloud has a silver lining means there is something good in every bad situation
On cloud nine means very happy
Calm before the storm is a quiet time before trouble
Under the weather is when you are feeling a little ill or unwell
see our free infographic below for more details on these idioms
We start with this page that covers 50 of the most common weather idioms and other weather related expressions that are not idioms like a breath of fresh air that is a metaphor.
TOP 50 WEATHER IDIOMS
Each week we will add another article, starting with rain idioms, that include meanings, example use, and origins.
We will also include free downloads and plan to finish with a great e-book with insights to how native speakers use these weather idioms.
Top 50 List of Idioms about Weather with Meanings and Example Sentences
definition, example sentence, origin
This list includes idioms related to the weather with their meanings, origin and example sentences. Here are the phrases in alphabetical order
A bolt from the blue
- A sudden and unexpected event or piece of news.
- The company’s decision to close was a bolt from the blue for all its employees.
- The phrase comes from the idea of a lightning bolt suddenly appearing in a clear blue sky.
A cold day in July
- Something that is very unlikely to happen.
- He’ll apologize only on a cold day in July.
- Refers to July being one of the hottest months, so a “cold day” in July would be almost impossible.
A ray of hope
- A small sign that something good might happen.
- The rescue team’s arrival gave the miners a ray of hope.
- Based on the image of a ray of sunlight breaking through darkness.
A ray of sunshine
- A person or thing that brings happiness into someone’s life.
- Her cheerful attitude is a real ray of sunshine in the office.
- Comes from the warmth and brightness that sunlight brings.
A snowball's chance in hell
- No chance at all of something happening.
- He has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning that competition.
- Comes from the idea that a snowball would instantly melt in the fires of hell.
A storm is brewing
- Trouble or conflict is about to happen.
- You’d better talk to them soon; I think a storm is brewing.
- Refers to the early signs in the sky that a storm is coming.
Against the wind
- Doing something in a difficult or unfavorable situation.
- She kept running against the wind, refusing to give up.
- Based on the physical struggle of moving against strong wind.
April showers bring May flowers
- Difficult times can lead to better things.
- Don’t be upset about the setbacks; remember, April showers bring May flowers.
- From a 16th-century English proverb about rain in spring helping flowers bloom in May.
As pure as the driven snow
- Completely innocent or morally pure.
- She looks as pure as the driven snow, but appearances can be deceiving.
- Refers to fresh, untouched snow, which looks clean and white.
Blood and Thunder
- Very dramatic or violent activity or speech.
- The movie was full of blood and thunder from start to finish.
- Dates back to 19th-century literature describing action-packed adventure stories.
Blow hot and cold
- To keep changing your opinion or attitude.
- He’s been blowing hot and cold about moving abroad.
- Comes from the story of a man who blew on his hands to warm them and on his soup to cool it, symbolizing inconsistency.
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Rain Idioms
Idioms that are related to rain are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Cloud Idioms
Idioms that are related to clouds are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Calm before the storm
- A period of peace before trouble begins.
- The office is quiet now, but it’s just the calm before the storm.
- Based on the weather pattern where the air becomes still before a storm hits.
Catch lightning in a bottle
- To achieve something extraordinary or very difficult to repeat.
- The filmmaker caught lightning in a bottle with that first movie.
- Comes from the impossible idea of capturing lightning inside a bottle, meaning a rare success.
Chase rainbows (chasing rainbows)
- To try to achieve something impossible or unrealistic.
- He’s always chasing rainbows, dreaming of getting rich overnight.
- Refers to the impossibility of reaching the end of a rainbow.
Cloud nine (on cloud nine)
- Extremely happy or delighted.
- She’s been on cloud nine since she got the job.
- Originated from U.S. weather bureau terminology where “cloud nine” was the highest cloud level, symbolizing euphoria.
Come rain or shine
- No matter what happens, something will occur.
- We’ll have the picnic come rain or shine.
- Refers to people doing something regardless of weather conditions.
- Shortened to rain or shine sometimes.
Cook up a storm
- To cook a large amount or with great enthusiasm.
- She cooked up a storm for the family reunion.
- Refers to a “storm” as a burst of activity or energy in the kitchen.
Dog days of summer
- The hottest period of summer.
- We stayed indoors during the dog days of summer.
- From ancient Rome, when Sirius, the Dog Star, rose with the sun during the hottest days of the year.
Don’t rain on my parade
- see rain on someone’s parade
Every cloud has a silver lining
- There’s something good in every bad situation.
- Losing that job was hard, but every cloud has a silver lining.
- Comes from the image of sunlight shining behind a dark cloud.
Face like thunder (have a face like thunder)
- Looking very angry.
- When she saw the mess, she had a face like thunder.
- Refers to dark, stormy clouds representing anger.
Fair weather friend
- A friend who is only around when things are going well.
- When I lost my job, I realized he was just a fair weather friend.
- Refers to someone who stays only during “good weather,” symbolizing easy times.
Feel under the weather
- see under the weather
Full of hot air
- Talking nonsense or exaggerating.
- He claims he’ll be rich soon, but he’s full of hot air.
- Refers to empty speech being like air—full but without substance.
Hot Weather and Sun Idioms
Idioms that are related to the sun, summer and hot weather are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Cold Weather Idioms
Idioms that are related to cold weather like in winter are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Get wind of something
- To hear or learn a piece of secret information.
- The manager got wind of our plan to leave early.
- Comes from hunting, when animals catch the scent (“wind”) of predators.
Gone with the wind
- Something that has disappeared or been lost forever.
- All his savings were gone with the wind after the crash.
- Popularized by the 1939 film Gone with the Wind; originally meant “vanished like the wind.”
Hail from (a place)
- To come from or originate from somewhere.
- She hails from Canada.
- Derived from the word “hail” meaning to call or announce one’s origin.
Have a face like thunder
- see face like thunder
Head in the clouds
- Not paying attention or being unrealistic.
- He walks around with his head in the clouds all day.
- Refers to being distracted, as if one’s head is high up in the sky.
In a fog
- Confused or unable to think clearly.
- After the meeting, I was still in a fog about the decision.
- From the image of thick fog making it hard to see.
In the eye of the storm
- At the center of a difficult or dangerous situation.
- The president found himself in the eye of the storm during the crisis.
- The “eye” of a storm is the calm center surrounded by violent weather.
It’s raining cats and dogs
- see raining cats and dogs
Lightning never strikes twice
- Something unusual or unlucky is unlikely to happen again.
- Don’t worry about losing your luggage again—lightning never strikes twice.
- Based on the mistaken belief that lightning doesn’t hit the same place twice.
Wind Idioms
Idioms that are related to wind are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Spring Idioms
Idioms that are related to spring time and the weather at this time are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Make hay while the sun shines
- Take advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
- We should make hay while the sun shines and finish the work early.
- Comes from farmers harvesting hay during good weather.
On cloud nine
- see cloud nine
Out of your element
- Uncomfortable or awkward in a particular situation.
- He felt out of his element at the art gallery.
- Derived from the old meaning of “element” as a natural environment.
Raining cats and dogs
- It’s raining very heavily.
- Don’t forget your umbrella—it’s raining cats and dogs!
- Possibly from old British sayings referring to animals washed through streets during heavy storms.
Rain on someone's parade
- To spoil somemone’s plans or happiness
- I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but we can’t go today.
- Based on the image of literal rain ruining a parade.
Rain or shine
- see come rain or shine
Ride out the storm
- To survive or endure a difficult situation.
- The company managed to ride out the storm of the recession.
- From the act of a ship surviving a storm at sea.
Right as rain
- In perfect health or condition.
- After a good night’s sleep, I felt right as rain again.
- British expression comparing wellness to natural order, like regular rainfall restoring balance.
Storm Idioms
Idioms that are related to storms are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Lightening and Thunderstorm Idioms
Idioms that are related to thunderstorms and lightening are listed with great detail including:
- the idiom meaning ,
- an example of the use of the idiom in as sentence
- the idiom’s origin
- insight into how the idioms is actually used in real life by native speakers
Save for a rainy day
- To save something (especially money) for future use in bad times.
- I always keep some cash saved for a rainy day.
- From the idea of preparing for bad weather or hard times.
Shoot the breeze
- To chat casually about unimportant things.
- We sat on the porch and shot the breeze all afternoon.
- American slang from the early 1900s, comparing idle talk to the act of shooting at nothing.
Snowed under
- Overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.
- I’ve been snowed under with assignments all week.
- Originates from the image of being buried beneath heavy snow, unable to move.
Spit into the wind
- To waste effort or act foolishly against strong opposition.
- Arguing with him is like spitting into the wind.
- Based on the futility of spitting against the direction of the wind.
- also used is “pissing in the wind” (vulgar), this is offensive to some people.
Steal your thunder
- To take credit for someone else’s idea or achievement.
- She stole my thunder by announcing the news first.
- Originated from playwright John Dennis, who accused another of using his sound effect for thunder.
Storm in a teacup
- A small event that is blown out of proportion.
- Their argument was just a storm in a teacup.
- From British English; compares a minor disturbance to a storm in something as small as a teacup.
Take a rain check
- To postpone an invitation or event.
- I can’t come tonight, but can I take a rain check?
- Originates from baseball, where a “rain check” ticket was given if a game was postponed due to rain.
Take the wind out of someone's sails
- To make someone lose confidence or enthusiasm.
- His criticism really took the wind out of my sails.
- Comes from sailing, where wind gives a ship its power.
The calm before the storm
- see calm before the storm
The winds of change
- Forces that bring about change.
- The winds of change are blowing through the company.
- Comes from sailing, where shifting winds signal a change in direction.
Throw caution to the wind
- To take a risk or act without worrying about danger.
- He threw caution to the wind and invested all his savings.
- Based on the idea of letting the wind carry away one’s caution.
Under a cloud
- Suspected of wrongdoing or dishonor.
- He’s been under a cloud since the investigation began.
- Comes from the image of dark clouds representing trouble or doubt.
Under the same sun
- Despite differences, we share common humanity.
- We may live far apart, but we all live under the same sun.
- From poetic expressions emphasizing unity and shared existence.
Under the weather
- Feeling ill or unwell.
- I think I’ll stay home—I’m a bit under the weather.
- Originates from nautical slang; sailors would rest below deck when sick.
- Also used is ‘feel under the weather’, or ‘feeling under the weather’.
Weather the storm (weather a storm)
- To survive a period of difficulty.
- We’ll weather the storm together.
- From the literal act of surviving a sea storm.
When hell freezes over
- Something that will never happen.
- He’ll apologize when hell freezes over.
- Refers to the impossibility of hell ever freezing.
Interested in Nature Idioms?
To see the ultimate list of idioms related to nature then visit our comprehensive list with meaning and example sentences called nature idioms.
Phrases Related to the Weather (not idioms)
A breath of fresh air (metaphor)
- Something new and refreshing.
- Her positive attitude was a breath of fresh air at work.
- Based on the feeling of relief when breathing clean, cool air after being indoors.
A cloud of doubt (metaphor)
- A feeling of uncertainty or suspicion.
- His strange behavior cast a cloud of doubt over his story.
- A metaphor where a cloud represents confusion or mistrust.
A dry spell (metaphor)
- A period without success, rain, or activity.
- The writer went through a creative dry spell.
- From literal periods without rain, used metaphorically for lack of results.
A heatwave of excitement (metaphor)
- A sudden rush of enthusiasm or energy.
- The city was caught in a heatwave of excitement after the victory.
- A metaphor comparing emotional intensity to extreme heat.
A ray of light (metaphor)
- A sign of hope or relief.
- The new treatment offers a ray of light for patients.
- A metaphor comparing hope to sunlight breaking through darkness.
A face like a thundercloud (metaphor)
- An angry or stormy expression.
- He walked in with a face like a thundercloud.
- A metaphor comparing an angry face to dark, stormy clouds.
A storm of applause (metaphor)
- A loud and enthusiastic reaction from a crowd.
- The performer received a storm of applause.
- A metaphor linking loud clapping to the force of a storm.
As changeable as the weather (simile)
- Often changing and unpredictable.
- His moods are as changeable as the weather.
- A simile highlighting the unpredictability of both weather and human emotion.
As clear as day (simile)
- Very obvious or easy to understand.
- The answer was as clear as day to everyone in the room.
- A simile comparing clarity of understanding to the brightness of daytime.
As cold as ice (simile)
- Extremely cold or unemotional.
- Her hands were as cold as ice.
- A simile linking temperature or feeling to the freezing quality of ice.
As light as a breeze (simile)
- Very easy or effortless.
- The test was as light as a breeze for him.
- Compares ease to the gentle, effortless movement of a breeze.
As white as snow (simile)
- Very clean, pure, or pale.
- Her dress was as white as snow.
- A traditional simile referring to the whiteness of untouched snow.
Bright as sunshine (simile)
- Cheerful, happy, or full of energy.
- The children’s laughter was bright as sunshine.
- Compares brightness or joy to sunlight.
Clear skies ahead (metaphor)
- A hopeful future with no problems.
- After a rough year, the company now sees clear skies ahead.
- A metaphor representing optimism and stability.
Cloudy judgment (metaphor)
- Poor or unclear decision-making.
- His anger led to cloudy judgment.
- A metaphor likening unclear thinking to cloudy weather blocking vision.
Cool reception (common phrase)
- An unfriendly or indifferent greeting.
- His suggestion got a cool reception from the board.
- Opposite of “warm welcome,” using temperature to express emotional distance.
Dark clouds on the horizon (metaphor)
- Signs that trouble or problems are coming.
- There are dark clouds on the horizon for the company.
- A metaphor for warning signs of future difficulty.
Frozen with fear (metaphor)
- Unable to move because of extreme fear.
- He stood frozen with fear when he heard the noise.
- A metaphor equating paralysis with being frozen by cold.
In the heat of the moment (metaphor)
- Acting impulsively because of strong emotions.
- He said things he didn’t mean in the heat of the moment.
- Refers metaphorically to heat representing intensity or passion.
Snow-white (descriptive phrase)
- Pure white in color.
- The mountain peaks were snow-white in the morning light.
- A descriptive phrase referencing the color of snow.
Storm of emotions (metaphor)
- A sudden outburst of strong feelings.
- She was caught in a storm of emotions after the breakup.
- A metaphor comparing intense feelings to a violent storm.
The chill of fear (metaphor)
- A sudden, cold feeling caused by fear.
- She felt the chill of fear run down her spine.
- A metaphor connecting the cold sensation with emotional fear.
The fog of war (metaphor)
- The confusion that occurs during conflict or crisis.
- The report tried to clarify what happened amid the fog of war.
- A metaphor describing uncertainty and chaos, first used by military theorists.
The sun is shining on someone (metaphor)
- Someone is experiencing good luck or success.
- The sun seems to be shining on her lately—everything’s going right.
- A metaphor for fortune or happiness.
Warm welcome (common phrase)
- A friendly and kind greeting.
- The new teacher received a warm welcome from the class.
- Uses warmth to symbolize kindness and friendliness.
FAQ English Idioms Related to Weather
What are some idiomatic expressions about weather?
Common weather idioms in English include:
- “it’s raining cats and dogs” (raining heavily),
- “under the weather” (feeling unwell),
- “on cloud nine” (extremely happy),
- “weather the storm” (endure difficulties),
- “break the ice” (start a conversation),
- “take a rain check” (postpone an invitation),
- “come rain or shine” (no matter what), and
- “throw caution to the wind” (act recklessly)
What are the 10 expressions for describing weather?
Ten popular weather idioms are:
- Under the weather (feeling sick)
- Raining cats and dogs (raining heavily)
- On cloud nine (very happy)
- Weather the storm (survive difficulties)
- Break the ice (start social interaction)
- Take a rain check (postpone)
- Come rain or shine (regardless of conditions)
- Snowed under (overwhelmed with work)
- Every cloud has a silver lining (there’s something good in every bad situation)
- Head in the clouds (being unrealistic or dreamy)
What is the idiom for rainy weather?
The idiom “it’s raining cats and dogs” is used to describe very heavy rain or a downpour
How’s the weather idiom?
“How’s the weather?” is a straightforward phrase used to ask about the current weather conditions. It is not an idiom itself, but idiomatic responses might include “It’s raining cats and dogs” or “It’s a breeze today” (meaning the weather is easy or pleasant)
What does ‘take a rain check’ mean?
“Take a rain check” means to politely decline an invitation but suggest doing it another time
What does ‘cloud nine’ mean?
“Cloud nine” refers to a state of extreme happiness or bliss
What does ‘throw caution to the wind’ mean?
“Throw caution to the wind” means to take a risk or act without worrying about the consequences
What does ‘never rains but it pours’ mean?
“It never rains but it pours” describes a situation where problems or difficult events seem to happen all at once, not just one at a time
What does ‘save for a rainy day’ mean?
“Save for a rainy day” means to put aside money or resources for a time when they might be needed, especially in case of trouble or bad luck
How can weather idioms help English learners?
Learning weather idioms expands your vocabulary, helps you sound more like a native speaker, and makes conversations more engaging and expressive. English speakers often use these idioms in both casual and formal situations, so understanding them is useful for ESL learners and anyone wanting to improve their English fluency.
What are some sun-related idioms?
Examples include “a ray of sunshine” (someone who brings happiness), “make hay while the sun shines” (take advantage of good conditions), and “everything under the sun” (everything possible)
How do you describe bad weather using idioms?
Idioms for bad weather include “it’s raining cats and dogs” (heavy rain), “under the weather” (feeling ill), “weather the storm” (endure tough times), and “stormy relationship” (conflict between people)
Why do English speakers use weather idioms?
Weather is a universal topic and using idioms makes language richer and more relatable. They help describe emotions, situations, and experiences in a vivid, memorable way
Using English Weather Idioms
Degree of Weather
This section explores how native English speakers use specific weather idioms to describe the intensity of a situation, mirroring how we describe the weather from calm to severe.
For language learning, understanding this gradient is a key piece of English vocabulary. Many weather idioms function as a shorthand for expressing degree.
For example, a task that is a breeze is very easy, like a gentle wind. In contrast, being in the eye of the storm means being at the center of a highly intense or chaotic situation.
This use of idioms that use weather terms allows English speaking individuals to communicate complexity quickly. When you hear the saying that someone is snowed under, it doesn’t mean there’s literal snow; this idiom means they are overwhelmed with work, describing a state of being buried.
These common idioms are essential for understanding the degree of weather and intensity in everyday conversation.