Weather is something we see and feel every day. It can be sunny, rainy, windy, or stormy. People have watched the weather for many years and used it to describe their thoughts and feelings. Over time, many weather words have become part of everyday talking. These special sayings are called idioms.
Idioms about weather are phrases that don’t mean exactly what they say. For example, when someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” they don’t really mean animals are falling from the sky. They just mean it’s raining very hard. In this article, we will learn fun and interesting idioms that use weather to talk about life. Each one has a meaning and an example to help you understand and use it in your own way.
Idioms About Weather
1. Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick
Example Sentence:
– I stayed home from school because I felt under the weather.
– Mom was under the weather, so she rested all day.
Other ways to say: Feeling ill, not feeling well
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from old sailing days. Sick sailors were sent below deck, under the weather.
Usage: Use when someone is feeling sick or tired.
2. Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining very hard
Example Sentence:
– We couldn’t go outside because it was raining cats and dogs.
– It’s raining cats and dogs, so bring your umbrella!
Other ways to say: Pouring rain, heavy rain
Fun Fact/Origin: This strange phrase might come from stories of animals floating in streets during floods.
Usage: Use during a heavy rainstorm.
3. A storm is brewing
Meaning: Trouble is coming
Example Sentence:
– The kids were yelling, and I could tell a storm was brewing.
– Mom looked angry, so I knew a storm was brewing.
Other ways to say: Trouble is coming, things are heating up
Fun Fact/Origin: It compares rising tension to storm clouds gathering.
Usage: Use when you expect a fight or problem.
4. Snowed under
Meaning: Very busy
Example Sentence:
– I didn’t play outside because I was snowed under with homework.
– Dad’s snowed under with work this week.
Other ways to say: Overloaded, buried in work
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like being buried under real snow.
Usage: Use when someone has too much to do.
5. Break the ice
Meaning: Start a conversation
Example Sentence:
– I told a joke to break the ice with my new classmates.
– Games can help break the ice at parties.
Other ways to say: Start talking, make things less awkward
Fun Fact/Origin: Ships had to break ice to keep moving.
Usage: Use when trying to make people feel more comfortable.
6. Chase rainbows
Meaning: Try something unlikely or silly
Example Sentence:
– He’s chasing rainbows if he thinks he can skip practice and still win.
– Don’t chase rainbows—make a real plan.
Other ways to say: Wishful thinking, daydreaming
Fun Fact/Origin: Rainbows look close but can’t be touched.
Usage: Use when someone tries something unrealistic.
7. Come rain or shine
Meaning: No matter what happens
Example Sentence:
– We will go camping, come rain or shine.
– She walks her dog daily, come rain or shine.
Other ways to say: No matter what, always
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s about doing something in any weather.
Usage: Use for a strong promise or habit.
8. Head in the clouds
Meaning: Not paying attention
Example Sentence:
– I called her name, but she had her head in the clouds.
– He’s got his head in the clouds during math class.
Other ways to say: Daydreaming, distracted
Fun Fact/Origin: Like thinking about sky stuff instead of real things.
Usage: Use when someone isn’t focused.
9. On cloud nine
Meaning: Very happy
Example Sentence:
– She was on cloud nine after getting the part in the play.
– I felt on cloud nine when my team won.
Other ways to say: Very joyful, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Cloud nine used to be the highest level in cloud charts.
Usage: Use when someone is very happy.
10. Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: Take attention from someone
Example Sentence:
– She stole my thunder by telling my news first.
– He felt bad when his brother stole his thunder at the party.
Other ways to say: Take credit, outshine
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a play where one person used another’s idea.
Usage: Use when someone takes the spotlight from you.
11. Weather the storm
Meaning: Get through a tough time
Example Sentence:
– We had to weather the storm after Dad lost his job.
– They weathered the storm when their power went out.
Other ways to say: Get through trouble, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Ships must stay steady in real storms.
Usage: Use when facing problems but staying strong.
12. In a fog
Meaning: Confused or not thinking clearly
Example Sentence:
– I was in a fog after waking up late.
– He walked into class in a fog and forgot his homework.
Other ways to say: Confused, dazed
Fun Fact/Origin: Fog makes it hard to see, like feeling unsure.
Usage: Use when someone is confused or tired.
13. Storm out
Meaning: Leave a place angrily
Example Sentence:
– He stormed out after the argument.
– She stormed out of the room when she got upset.
Other ways to say: Leave angrily, march out
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a storm, sudden and loud.
Usage: Use when someone leaves in anger.
14. Come like a bolt from the blue
Meaning: A big surprise
Example Sentence:
– His quitting came like a bolt from the blue.
– The news came like a bolt from the blue.
Other ways to say: Unexpected, sudden surprise
Fun Fact/Origin: Blue skies can suddenly flash with lightning.
Usage: Use for surprise events.
15. A fair-weather friend
Meaning: A friend who is only there during good times
Example Sentence:
– He’s a fair-weather friend who left when I needed help.
– I don’t want a fair-weather friend—I want someone real.
Other ways to say: Fake friend, unreliable friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Some people leave when times get hard, like nice weather leaving.
Usage: Use for people who don’t stay in tough times.
16. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: Take a risk
Example Sentence:
– She threw caution to the wind and tried out for the team.
– He threw caution to the wind and rode the big roller coaster.
Other ways to say: Take a chance, act without worry
Fun Fact/Origin: Letting the wind take your worries away.
Usage: Use when someone acts boldly.
17. Calm before the storm
Meaning: Quiet time before something busy or bad
Example Sentence:
– The classroom was silent, like the calm before the storm.
– It was peaceful before guests came, the calm before the storm.
Other ways to say: Peace before chaos, stillness before action
Fun Fact/Origin: Storms are often quiet before they hit.
Usage: Use when something big is about to happen.
18. Cloud on the horizon
Meaning: A sign of trouble coming
Example Sentence:
– The bad grades were a cloud on the horizon.
– His cough was a cloud on the horizon before he got sick.
Other ways to say: Sign of trouble, warning
Fun Fact/Origin: Clouds mean a storm might be coming.
Usage: Use when problems seem near.
19. Snowball effect
Meaning: Something small that grows bigger over time
Example Sentence:
– Missing one homework started a snowball effect.
– The lie caused a snowball effect and grew out of control.
Other ways to say: Build up, get worse
Fun Fact/Origin: A rolling snowball grows in size.
Usage: Use for small actions that lead to big results.
20. Take a rain check
Meaning: Delay something to a later time
Example Sentence:
– I’ll take a rain check on the movie.
– She took a rain check on going out to dinner.
Other ways to say: Postpone, delay
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from baseball when games are moved due to rain.
Usage: Use when rescheduling plans.
21. Skating on thin ice
Meaning: Doing something risky
Example Sentence:
– He was skating on thin ice by lying to the teacher.
– She’s skating on thin ice with her parents after breaking curfew.
Other ways to say: Taking a risk, close to trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Thin ice can break easily, just like risky actions.
Usage: Use when someone is close to danger or trouble.
22. Get wind of something
Meaning: Hear a secret or rumor
Example Sentence:
– I got wind of the surprise party.
– She got wind of the plan before it happened.
Other ways to say: Hear about, catch a hint
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind can carry sound or scent—just like information.
Usage: Use when you find out something not meant for you.
23. A face like thunder
Meaning: Looking very angry
Example Sentence:
– He had a face like thunder after losing the game.
– Mom had a face like thunder when she saw the mess.
Other ways to say: Angry expression, stormy face
Fun Fact/Origin: Thunder shows a coming storm, like a stormy mood.
Usage: Use for people who look very mad.
24. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Good things can come from bad
Example Sentence:
– I missed the bus, but I found a new friend—every cloud has a silver lining.
– Even with a broken arm, he learned to draw—every cloud has a silver lining.
Other ways to say: Look on the bright side, hope in hard times
Fun Fact/Origin: Clouds with sunlight behind them look silver at the edge.
Usage: Use to show hope during trouble.
25. A ray of sunshine
Meaning: Someone who makes others happy
Example Sentence:
– Her laugh is a ray of sunshine in class.
– He’s a ray of sunshine on gloomy days.
Other ways to say: Bright person, cheerful
Fun Fact/Origin: Sunshine brings light and warmth.
Usage: Use to describe someone kind and happy.
26. Storm in a teacup
Meaning: A big deal over something small
Example Sentence:
– Their fight was just a storm in a teacup.
– It was just a missing pencil, but he made it a storm in a teacup.
Other ways to say: Overreaction, small issue made big
Fun Fact/Origin: A storm can’t really fit in a teacup—it’s an exaggeration.
Usage: Use for small problems that are blown up.
27. Throw shade
Meaning: Say something mean or disrespectful
Example Sentence:
– She threw shade at him for wearing that outfit.
– Don’t throw shade—just say what you mean.
Other ways to say: Insult, criticize
Fun Fact/Origin: From slang—shade blocks light, just like hurtful words block joy.
Usage: Use when someone makes a sneaky insult.
28. Lightning fast
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He ran lightning fast at the track meet.
– The answer came to her lightning fast.
Other ways to say: Super quick, fast as lightning
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning strikes in less than a second.
Usage: Use for quick actions.
29. In deep water
Meaning: In trouble
Example Sentence:
– He was in deep water after skipping practice.
– I forgot my homework and now I’m in deep water.
Other ways to say: In trouble, stuck
Fun Fact/Origin: Deep water is hard to swim in—like hard situations.
Usage: Use when someone is in a bad spot.
30. Brighten up
Meaning: Become happier
Example Sentence:
– He brightened up when he saw his friends.
– Her face brightened up after the good news.
Other ways to say: Cheer up, get happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Sunshine makes everything brighter, just like smiles.
Usage: Use when someone gets cheerful.
31. Cloud your judgment
Meaning: Make it hard to think clearly
Example Sentence:
– Fear can cloud your judgment.
– Don’t let anger cloud your judgment during the game.
Other ways to say: Confuse thinking, block clear ideas
Fun Fact/Origin: Clouds make it hard to see—just like unclear thinking.
Usage: Use when someone isn’t thinking clearly.
32. Dry spell
Meaning: A time with no success or activity
Example Sentence:
– Our team had a dry spell and didn’t win any games.
– I had a dry spell with no good ideas for my story.
Other ways to say: No luck, quiet time
Fun Fact/Origin: Real dry spells mean no rain for a long time.
Usage: Use during slow or unsuccessful times.
33. In a whirlwind
Meaning: In a rush or lots happening at once
Example Sentence:
– We were in a whirlwind getting ready for the play.
– She was in a whirlwind of emotions.
Other ways to say: Busy time, spinning around
Fun Fact/Origin: Whirlwinds spin fast, like busy moments.
Usage: Use when lots is happening quickly.
34. Take by storm
Meaning: Become very popular or successful quickly
Example Sentence:
– The new app took the school by storm.
– She took the talent show by storm with her singing.
Other ways to say: Get attention fast, become a hit
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a storm suddenly arriving.
Usage: Use when someone quickly becomes popular.
35. Cloud over
Meaning: To become sad or upset
Example Sentence:
– His smile clouded over when he heard the bad news.
– Her mood clouded over after the test.
Other ways to say: Get sad, turn gloomy
Fun Fact/Origin: The sky clouds over before a storm.
Usage: Use when someone suddenly becomes upset.
36. Break like a thunderclap
Meaning: Happen suddenly and loudly
Example Sentence:
– The fight broke out like a thunderclap.
– His shout came like a thunderclap.
Other ways to say: Sudden, loud start
Fun Fact/Origin: Thunderclaps come quickly and surprise you.
Usage: Use for sudden loud actions.
37. Blow hot and cold
Meaning: Change feelings often
Example Sentence:
– He blows hot and cold about joining the team.
– She blew hot and cold on whether to go to the party.
Other ways to say: Keep changing, unsure
Fun Fact/Origin: Hot and cold winds feel different—just like changing moods.
Usage: Use when someone changes their mind a lot.
38. A cloud hangs over
Meaning: Something sad or worrying is present
Example Sentence:
– A cloud hung over the day after the news.
– The injury made a cloud hang over the team.
Other ways to say: Sad feeling, something bad in the air
Fun Fact/Origin: A dark cloud makes things look and feel gloomy.
Usage: Use when something makes a day feel less happy.
39. Snowed in
Meaning: Stuck inside because of snow
Example Sentence:
– We were snowed in and had to stay home.
– They were snowed in for two days.
Other ways to say: Trapped, stuck at home
Fun Fact/Origin: Real snow can block doors and roads.
Usage: Use when you can’t go outside because of weather.
40. Cold snap
Meaning: A short time of very cold weather
Example Sentence:
– The cold snap froze our pipes.
– We had a cold snap in March!
Other ways to say: Freeze, sudden chill
Fun Fact/Origin: “Snap” means a short, sudden time.
Usage: Use when the weather suddenly turns cold.
41. Blow over
Meaning: A problem that goes away
Example Sentence:
– Their fight will blow over soon.
– The bad mood blew over by lunchtime.
Other ways to say: Pass, settle down
Fun Fact/Origin: Storms blow over when the wind moves them away.
Usage: Use when problems don’t last long.
42. Bundle up
Meaning: Dress warmly
Example Sentence:
– Don’t forget to bundle up—it’s freezing!
– Mom said to bundle up before playing outside.
Other ways to say: Dress warmly, put on layers
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from wrapping things in bundles.
Usage: Use when it’s very cold.
43. Like greased lightning
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He ran like greased lightning to the bus stop.
– The answer came to her like greased lightning.
Other ways to say: Super fast, lightning quick
Fun Fact/Origin: Grease makes things move faster—like fast lightning.
Usage: Use for very fast actions.
44. On thin ice
Meaning: Close to getting in trouble
Example Sentence:
– He’s on thin ice with the coach after missing practice.
– I was on thin ice with my teacher after being late again.
Other ways to say: In danger, at risk
Fun Fact/Origin: Thin ice can crack—like a risky situation.
Usage: Use when someone is close to trouble.
45. Full of hot air
Meaning: Saying silly or untrue things
Example Sentence:
– He’s full of hot air about his video game score.
– That story sounds like a bunch of hot air.
Other ways to say: Bragging, not true
Fun Fact/Origin: Hot air balloons rise but are full of gas—like empty talk.
Usage: Use for people who exaggerate or lie.
46. Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: Take your chance while you can
Example Sentence:
– Do your homework now—make hay while the sun shines!
– Let’s play outside while it’s warm.
Other ways to say: Don’t waste time, act now
Fun Fact/Origin: Farmers need sun to dry hay, so they work fast when it shines.
Usage: Use for taking chances when things are good.
47. Blow hot air
Meaning: Talk a lot without doing anything
Example Sentence:
– He blows hot air but never helps.
– Stop blowing hot air and clean your room!
Other ways to say: Talk big, not helpful
Fun Fact/Origin: Air doesn’t do anything—it’s just words.
Usage: Use for people who talk but don’t act.
48. Weather-beaten
Meaning: Worn out from bad weather
Example Sentence:
– The boat looked weather-beaten after the storm.
– His old coat was weather-beaten and faded.
Other ways to say: Worn out, damaged
Fun Fact/Origin: Bad weather wears things down.
Usage: Use for things or people affected by rough weather.
49. Lightning never strikes twice
Meaning: Rare things don’t happen again
Example Sentence:
– Don’t worry—it’s rare. Lightning never strikes twice.
– Winning twice is hard—lightning doesn’t strike twice.
Other ways to say: Not likely again, rare event
Fun Fact/Origin: People once believed lightning only hits once in one place.
Usage: Use when something won’t likely happen again.
50. Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: Spoil someone’s good time
Example Sentence:
– I didn’t want to rain on your parade, but the trip was canceled.
– Don’t rain on her parade—let her be happy.
Other ways to say: Ruin fun, spoil joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Rain can ruin a real parade.
Usage: Use when someone spoils good news.
51. Batten down the hatches
Meaning: Get ready for trouble
Example Sentence:
– We battened down the hatches before the storm hit.
– Get ready—it’s time to batten down the hatches.
Other ways to say: Prepare, get ready
Fun Fact/Origin: Ships secure hatches to stay safe in storms.
Usage: Use when getting ready for hard times.
52. Cloudburst
Meaning: A sudden heavy rain
Example Sentence:
– A cloudburst soaked everyone at recess.
– We ran for cover during the cloudburst.
Other ways to say: Heavy rain, downpour
Fun Fact/Origin: A cloudburst is real weather—like the sky opens suddenly.
Usage: Use for surprise rain.
53. Freeze out
Meaning: Ignore or shut someone out
Example Sentence:
– He froze me out after the game.
– They froze her out of the group project.
Other ways to say: Ignore, leave out
Fun Fact/Origin: Being frozen means being left in the cold.
Usage: Use when someone is being left out.
54. Cold as ice
Meaning: Very unfriendly or mean
Example Sentence:
– She was cold as ice when she spoke to me.
– His tone was cold as ice.
Other ways to say: Rude, distant
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice is hard and cold—like someone means.
Usage: Use when someone acts mean or shows no emotion.
55. Come out of the blue
Meaning: Happen suddenly without warning
Example Sentence:
– His call came out of the blue.
– The idea came out of the blue during lunch.
Other ways to say: Surprise, unexpected
Fun Fact/Origin: Blue sky is calm—surprises seem to pop out of nowhere.
Usage: Use for sudden, surprising things.
Quiz: Idioms About Weather
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the idioms to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does “under the weather” mean?
A) Playing outside
B) Feeling sick
C) Wearing a jacket
2. If someone is “raining on your parade,” they are:
A) Giving you a gift
B) Cheering you up
C) Ruining your fun
3. What does it mean if someone has their “head in the clouds”?
A) They love airplanes
B) They are dreaming and not paying attention
C) They are walking in the rain
4. What does “break the ice” mean?
A) Crack frozen water
B) Start a conversation
C) Open a window
5. If you are “snowed under,” you are:
A) Outside in the snow
B) Very busy with work
C) Watching snow fall
6. What does “take a rain check” mean?
A) Check the weather report
B) Postpone or delay something
C) Get wet in the rain
7. “Come rain or shine” means:
A) Only go out when it’s sunny
B) Do something no matter what
C) Stay inside when it rains
8. If something “comes out of the blue,” it means:
A) It happened unexpectedly
B) It came from the ocean
C) It is the color blue
9. What does “on cloud nine” mean?
A) Floating in the sky
B) Very happy
C) Sleeping in a cloud
10. “Throwing caution to the wind” means:
A) Playing with a kite
B) Taking a risk
C) Covering your ears
11. A “storm in a teacup” is:
A) A real storm
B) A small problem made big
C) Tea that is too hot
12. What does it mean to be “in deep water”?
A) Swimming at the beach
B) Getting wet in the pool
C) Being in trouble
13. If someone is “a ray of sunshine,” they are:
A) Very bright
B) A happy and kind person
C) Warm like the sun
14. What does “skating on thin ice” mean?
A) Ice skating fast
B) Doing something dangerous or risky
C) Playing outside in winter
15. A “dry spell” means:
A) No rain for days
B) A fun game
C) A time with no luck or activity
16. If someone is “clouding your judgment,” what are they doing?
A) Helping you make choices
B) Making it hard to think clearly
C) Showing you clouds
17. “Blow hot and cold” means:
A) Being in two types of weather
B) Changing opinions a lot
C) Standing by a fan
18. What does “batten down the hatches” mean?
A) Build a house
B) Get ready for trouble
C) Close the windows
19. If a person is “full of hot air,” they are:
A) Breathing hard
B) Saying silly or untrue things
C) Inflated like a balloon
20. “Weather the storm” means:
A) Hide during rain
B) Get through a hard time
C) Watch the news
Answer Key
- B) Feeling sick
- C) Ruining your fun
- B) They are dreaming and not paying attention
- B) Start a conversation
- B) Very busy with work
- B) Postpone or delay something
- B) Do something no matter what
- A) It happened unexpectedly
- B) Very happy
- B) Taking a risk
- B) A small problem made big
- C) Being in trouble
- B) A happy and kind person
- B) Doing something dangerous or risky
- C) A time with no luck or activity
- B) Making it hard to think clearly
- B) Changing opinions a lot
- B) Get ready for trouble
- B) Saying silly or untrue things
- B) Get through a hard time
Wrapping Up
Weather idioms are fun and helpful. They use clouds, storms, sunshine, and more to explain feelings or actions. These phrases are part of how people talk every day, even when the sky is clear.
By learning these idioms, you can understand conversations better and add color to your own words. Whether someone is “under the weather” or “on cloud nine,” now you’ll know just what they mean.
