Weather Idioms – Idioms about Weather in English

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Weather is a universal topic of conversation that can be used to break the ice, start a discussion, or even complain about the daily forecast. In English, there are many idioms related to weather that are commonly used in everyday conversation. These idioms can be confusing for non-native speakers, but they add color and personality to the language.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common weather idioms in English. We will provide examples of how to use them in context, as well as their meanings and origins. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use weather idioms in your conversations and impress your English-speaking friends. So, let’s jump into the world of weather idioms and see what we can learn!

Weather Idioms

Common Weather Idioms

Weather idioms are a fun and creative way to describe different situations in English. Here are some of the most common weather idioms that you might hear in everyday conversation.

Rain Related Idioms

• “It’s raining cats and dogs” means that it’s raining very heavily.
• “To be under the weather” means to feel unwell or sick.
• “To save something for a rainy day” means to save something for a time when you might need it in the future.

Sun Related Idioms

• “To be on cloud nine” means to be extremely happy or joyful.
• “To bask in the sun” means to enjoy the warmth of the sun.
• “To have a sunny disposition” means to be cheerful and optimistic.

Wind Related Idioms

• “To get wind of something” means to hear about something.
• “To be in the eye of the storm” means to be in a difficult situation.
• “To throw caution to the wind” means to take a risk.

Cloud Related Idioms

• “Every cloud has a silver lining” means something positive exists in bad situations.
• “To have your head in the clouds” means to be daydreaming.
• “To be on cloud nine” means to be extremely happy.

Snow Related Idioms

• “To be snowed under” means to be overwhelmed with work.
• “To break the ice” means to make a situation less awkward.
• “To be as pure as the driven snow” means to be completely innocent.

Less Known Weather Idioms

• Fair-weather friend: someone who is only a friend in good times.
• Snowball’s chance in hell: almost no chance of happening.
• Rain on someone’s parade: to spoil someone’s plans.
• Break the ice: to start a conversation.
• Storm in a teacup: a small problem exaggerated.
• Batten down the hatches: prepare for difficulty.

Using Weather Idioms in Everyday Conversation

In Professional Settings

• Use idioms sparingly.
• Avoid them in formal writing.
• Ensure understanding.
• Use relevant expressions.

In Informal Settings

• Add humor and personality.
• Use freely with friends.
• Match context.
• Avoid overuse.

Interpreting Weather Idioms

Under the weather

Means feeling sick or unwell.

Weather the storm

Means survive a difficult situation.

Break the ice

Means start a conversation.

It’s raining cats and dogs

Means raining heavily.

A ray of sunshine

Means someone who brings happiness.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Means something positive exists in bad situations.

Common Weather Idioms with Meanings and Examples

Raining Cats and Dogs

• Meaning: Raining very hard
• Example: It’s raining cats and dogs.

(To be) Full of Hot Air

• Meaning: Talking nonsense
• Example: I think he’s full of hot air.

When It Rains It Pours

• Meaning: Everything happens at once
• Example: When it rains, it pours.

Sunny

• Meaning: Happy
• Example: She has a sunny personality.

A Breeze

• Meaning: Easy
• Example: The test was a breeze.

Under the Weather

• Meaning: Feeling bad
• Example: She felt under the weather.

Cloud Nine

• Meaning: Extremely happy
• Example: I was on cloud nine.

Weather the Storm

• Meaning: Survive difficulties
• Example: We weathered the storm.

All Wet

• Meaning: Completely wrong
• Example: You’re all wet.

As Right As Rain

• Meaning: Feeling healthy
• Example: I’m as right as rain.

Fair-Weather Friend

• Meaning: Only a friend in good times
• Example: She is a fair-weather friend.

Weather Idioms | Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common weather idioms?
Under the weather, raining cats and dogs, break the ice.

Idioms for bad weather?
Raining cats and dogs, eye of the storm.

Idioms for good weather?
A ray of sunshine, blue skies ahead.

Sunny idioms?
Basking in the sun, sun-drenched day.

Rain idioms?
Raining cats and dogs, soaked to the bone.

Severe weather idioms?
Perfect storm, force of nature.