Rainbows are one of nature’s most colorful and joyful sights. After a storm, they shine across the sky with bright colors that make people smile. Because rainbows bring hope and beauty, people have made special sayings, called idioms, using rainbows to explain feelings, ideas, and events in life.
These idioms help us talk about happiness, hope, and sometimes surprises. When someone says, “a rainbow after the storm,” they mean something good happened after a hard time. Idioms like this use simple words but can show big ideas. In this article, we’ll learn 30 fun and easy idioms about rainbows. We’ll see what they mean and how to use them in everyday life.
Idioms About Rainbows
1. Chasing rainbows
Meaning: Trying to get something that’s hard or impossible to reach
Example Sentence:
• He’s chasing rainbows if he thinks he can be famous overnight.
• Don’t chase rainbows—start with small steps.
Other ways to say: Dreaming big, reaching for the stars
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that you can’t catch a rainbow because it’s just light and water.
Usage: Used when someone has a dream that’s not easy to get.
2. A rainbow after the storm
Meaning: Good things come after hard times
Example Sentence:
• The team lost many games, but their big win was a rainbow after the storm.
• After getting better from being sick, he saw it as a rainbow after the storm.
Other ways to say: Good after bad, light at the end of the tunnel
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows usually show up after rain, which makes this saying feel hopeful.
Usage: Used when something good happens after trouble.
3. Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
Meaning: A big reward that may not be real or easy to get
Example Sentence:
• He thinks there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if he becomes a movie star.
• Looking for treasure in your backyard is like chasing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Other ways to say: Big dream, impossible reward
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old stories where leprechauns hide gold at a rainbow’s end.
Usage: Used when talking about something that’s exciting but unlikely.
4. Catch a rainbow
Meaning: Do something very rare or special
Example Sentence:
• Seeing that double rainbow was like catching a rainbow.
• Winning the big prize felt like catching a rainbow.
Other ways to say: Once in a lifetime, very lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: Since you can’t hold a rainbow, catching one means something very rare.
Usage: Used when something amazing happens.
5. Rainbow of emotions
Meaning: Feeling many different emotions
Example Sentence:
• I felt a rainbow of emotions on the last day of school.
• She showed a rainbow of emotions during the movie.
Other ways to say: Many feelings, up and down emotions
Fun Fact/Origin: Like the rainbow has many colors, this idiom shows many feelings.
Usage: Used when someone feels many things at once.
6. Over the rainbow
Meaning: In a very happy or dreamy place
Example Sentence:
• She felt over the rainbow after hearing the good news.
• He was over the rainbow when he got a puppy.
Other ways to say: Very happy, on cloud nine
Fun Fact/Origin: From the famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in The Wizard of Oz.
Usage: Used when someone feels extra happy.
7. Colorful as a rainbow
Meaning: Very bright or full of variety
Example Sentence:
• Her art was as colorful as a rainbow.
• The garden was colorful as a rainbow in spring.
Other ways to say: Bright, full of color
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows have many colors, so this idiom means full of life or fun.
Usage: Used when something has lots of colors or variety.
8. Rainbow connection
Meaning: A special link between people or ideas
Example Sentence:
• They had a rainbow connection and became best friends fast.
• Music creates a rainbow connection between people.
Other ways to say: Strong bond, special link
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized by the song “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie.
Usage: Used when people share something meaningful.
9. Seeing through rainbow glasses
Meaning: Looking at things in a very hopeful or dreamy way
Example Sentence:
• She sees through rainbow glasses and believes everything will be perfect.
• He looks at the future through rainbow glasses.
Other ways to say: Too hopeful, idealistic
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “rose-colored glasses,” but more dreamy.
Usage: Used when someone is very positive and maybe a bit unrealistic.
10. Rainbow smile
Meaning: A big, bright smile full of joy
Example Sentence:
• She gave a rainbow smile when she saw her birthday cake.
• He had a rainbow smile after getting an A on his test.
Other ways to say: Big smile, bright grin
Fun Fact/Origin: A rainbow smile is a cheerful and colorful way to say happy face.
Usage: Used when someone looks super happy.
11. Like finding a rainbow in the dark
Meaning: Discovering something good when things feel bad
Example Sentence:
• Getting that letter was like finding a rainbow in the dark.
• Her kind words were like a rainbow in the dark after my rough day.
Other ways to say: A bright spot, a nice surprise
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows don’t appear in the dark, so this means a rare and cheerful surprise.
Usage: Used when something good shows up during a tough time.
12. A rainbow of choices
Meaning: Many different options
Example Sentence:
• The art store had a rainbow of choices for paint colors.
• We had a rainbow of choices at the ice cream shop.
Other ways to say: Lots of options, full variety
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how rainbows show many colors at once.
Usage: Used when there are many things to choose from.
13. Paint your world with rainbows
Meaning: Add joy or creativity to your life
Example Sentence:
• She paints her world with rainbows by helping others.
• He tries to paint his world with rainbows through music.
Other ways to say: Spread happiness, be positive
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests making life as bright and colorful as a rainbow.
Usage: Used when someone brings joy or beauty to life.
14. Rainbow thoughts
Meaning: Bright and hopeful ideas
Example Sentence:
• I try to keep rainbow thoughts before a test.
• Her rainbow thoughts helped us stay calm.
Other ways to say: Positive thinking, hopeful ideas
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the bright and happy feeling rainbows give.
Usage: Used when someone stays hopeful or cheerful.
15. Promise of a rainbow
Meaning: Hope that better things are coming
Example Sentence:
• The coach gave a speech full of the promise of a rainbow.
• After a hard week, Friday felt like the promise of a rainbow.
Other ways to say: Better days ahead, hopeful sign
Fun Fact/Origin: In stories, rainbows often mean peace and hope.
Usage: Used to show something better is coming.
16. Rainbow skies
Meaning: Calm and happy times
Example Sentence:
• We hope for rainbow skies after the test.
• Summer break brings rainbow skies and fun.
Other ways to say: Peaceful times, happy days
Fun Fact/Origin: Blue skies and rainbows both show good weather and happy feelings.
Usage: Used when talking about peaceful and happy moments.
17. Walk the rainbow
Meaning: Take a hopeful or bold step forward
Example Sentence:
• She decided to walk the rainbow and try out for the play.
• Walking the rainbow means believing in yourself.
Other ways to say: Take a chance, follow your dream
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the idea of following a rainbow to something great.
Usage: Used when someone tries something positive or brave.
18. Rainbow trail
Meaning: A path full of new and bright experiences
Example Sentence:
• Their trip was a rainbow trail full of fun and learning.
• Life is a rainbow trail—enjoy every step.
Other ways to say: Fun journey, colorful adventure
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by stories of magical paths that look like rainbows.
Usage: Used when describing a happy and exciting journey.
19. Rainbow eyes
Meaning: Seeing the beauty in everything
Example Sentence:
• She looks at the world with rainbow eyes.
• His rainbow eyes help him stay cheerful.
Other ways to say: Positive view, joyful outlook
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests someone sees life in many bright and cheerful colors.
Usage: Used when someone stays joyful and sees the best in things.
20. Rainbow words
Meaning: Kind and colorful language
Example Sentence:
• The teacher used rainbow words to cheer us up.
• Use rainbow words to make your story happy.
Other ways to say: Kind words, cheerful speech
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how colorful and friendly words feel warm and nice.
Usage: Used when someone uses sweet and helpful language.
21. Rainbow wish
Meaning: A hopeful dream
Example Sentence:
• My rainbow wish is to become an astronaut.
• Her rainbow wish is to help animals.
Other ways to say: Big hope, dream goal
Fun Fact/Origin: People often wish on rainbows or stars in stories.
Usage: Used when talking about someone’s happy wish.
22. Rainbow spirit
Meaning: A cheerful and bright attitude
Example Sentence:
• His rainbow spirit made everyone smile.
• Keep your rainbow spirit even if it’s cloudy.
Other ways to say: Positive energy, happy attitude
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by how rainbows brighten the sky.
Usage: Used when someone spreads cheer.
23. Rainbow burst
Meaning: A sudden happy or colorful feeling
Example Sentence:
• I felt a rainbow burst when I saw the surprise.
• Her laugh was like a rainbow burst.
Other ways to say: Burst of joy, quick happiness
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of bright rainbow colors appearing quickly.
Usage: Used when a happy moment happens fast.
24. Rainbow inside
Meaning: Feeling happy or full of joy
Example Sentence:
• When my grandma hugged me, I felt a rainbow inside.
• Winning the race gave me a rainbow inside.
Other ways to say: Warm feeling, inner joy
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea of joy being colorful like a rainbow inside you.
Usage: Used when something makes you feel really happy.
25. Talk like a rainbow
Meaning: Speak in a friendly or happy way
Example Sentence:
• She always talks like a rainbow—bright and kind.
• His words were like a rainbow on a rainy day.
Other ways to say: Speak kindly, cheerful talk
Fun Fact/Origin: Colorful talk means it sounds lively and sweet.
Usage: Used when someone talks in a fun and kind way.
26. Share your rainbow
Meaning: Spread happiness or kindness
Example Sentence:
• She shared her rainbow by helping a friend.
• You can share your rainbow just by smiling.
Other ways to say: Spread joy, be kind
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea of sharing what makes you happy.
Usage: Used to encourage people to make others happy.
27. Rainbow surprise
Meaning: A happy and colorful surprise
Example Sentence:
• The gift was a rainbow surprise after school.
• He gave us a rainbow surprise—cupcakes!
Other ways to say: Sweet surprise, fun moment
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows are surprising and nice, like unexpected joy.
Usage: Used when someone gets a cheerful surprise.
28. Rainbow hug
Meaning: A warm and loving hug
Example Sentence:
• She gave me a rainbow hug before the test.
• His rainbow hug made me feel safe.
Other ways to say: Big hug, loving embrace
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines the ideas of love, color, and comfort.
Usage: Used when a hug feels extra comforting.
29. Rainbow laugh
Meaning: A laugh that is happy and bright
Example Sentence:
• His rainbow laugh filled the room.
• She laughed a rainbow laugh at the funny movie.
Other ways to say: Happy laugh, joyful giggle
Fun Fact/Origin: A laugh that feels colorful and full of life.
Usage: Used when someone’s laugh is joyful and contagious.
30. Dance in the rainbow
Meaning: Celebrate joyfully
Example Sentence:
• They danced in the rainbow after the school play.
• Let’s dance in the rainbow and enjoy this moment.
Other ways to say: Celebrate, enjoy the fun
Fun Fact/Origin: Dancing in a rainbow means having fun during bright moments.
Usage: Used when people celebrate something happy.
Quiz: Idioms About Rainbows
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “chasing rainbows” mean?
A) Running outside in the rain
B) Trying to reach something that’s very hard to get
C) Playing with colors
2. If someone says “a rainbow after the storm,” what are they talking about?
A) A science experiment
B) A coloring book
C) Something good happening after a hard time
3. What does “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” mean?
A) Real treasure that’s easy to find
B) A big reward that may not be real
C) A rainbow with gold colors
4. What does “rainbow smile” mean?
A) A fake smile
B) A big and happy smile
C) A sad expression
5. If someone has “rainbow eyes,” what are they doing?
A) Seeing the bad in everything
B) Wearing rainbow glasses
C) Looking at life in a cheerful way
6. What does it mean to “paint your world with rainbows”?
A) Use a lot of paint
B) Make your life joyful and bright
C) Draw a picture
7. What are “rainbow thoughts”?
A) Ideas about weather
B) Bright and hopeful ideas
C) Thoughts about art class
8. If a person talks like a rainbow, how do they speak?
A) In a loud voice
B) In a kind and happy way
C) In a boring tone
9. What is a “rainbow surprise”?
A) A colorful snack
B) A fun and unexpected happy moment
C) A rainbow-colored gift box
10. What does “dance in the rainbow” mean?
A) Do ballet in the rain
B) Splash in puddles
C) Celebrate something happy
Answer Key
- B) Trying to reach something that’s very hard to get
- C) Something good happening after a hard time
- B) A big reward that may not be real
- B) A big and happy smile
- C) Looking at life in a cheerful way
- B) Make your life joyful and bright
- B) Bright and hopeful ideas
- B) In a kind and happy way
- B) A fun and unexpected happy moment
- C) Celebrate something happy
Wrapping Up
Rainbows are more than just colors in the sky. They help us talk about joy, hope, and even dreams. These idioms make our words more fun and easier to understand. When you use them, you add color to your conversations. Try using some in your daily life or writing. They can help you explain your feelings in a brighter way.
