Idiom: take a rain check (on sth)

 

"Take a rain check"

Meaning:

  • To politely refuse an offer or invitation, on the implication that you may accept it some time in the future. 
  • If you use this expression you are saying that that you cannot accept an invitation at this point in time, but you are making it clear that you would like to accept it at a future time.

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

  • You can’t accept an invitation to a good friend’s dinner party.

  • Someone is inviting you to an event but you already have made arrangements.
  • A family member is inviting you for coffee but you are too busy to accept.
  • You want to watch a movie with a friend but you are busy at the time they suggest.

Origin

This phrase originally referred to a voucher given to spectators at a baseball game that was rained out. The “rain check” allowed them to watch another game for free. Our sources indicate that the term came into being around 1884 and gradually came to refer to vouchers for other sports and eventually to vouchers you get at, say, the drugstore, when it runs out of sale-priced toothpaste.

Example:

“I’ll have to take a rain check for your dinner party this Saturday. Please do invite me to the next one though!”

Example Conversation

A: Hey John! Would you like to go to lunch with me today?

B: I would love to, but I an swamped today and need to work through lunch. Rain check for tomorrow?

A: Sounds great! Good luck!


A: I'm going to the cinema tonight, do you want to join me?

B: Sorry, I'll have to take a rain check. I already have plans.


More Example Sentences

  • Can I have a rain check on your invitation?
  • I guess I'll have to take a rain check on that.
  • I'd love to but I have a date tonight. Can I take a rain check?
  • Sorry, I'm busy. Could I have a rain check?
  • Thanks, but I think I'd better take a rain check.
  • I would love to go to the cinema but I'm busy on Sunday. Can we take a rain check?
  • I can't make it tonight. Can I take a rain check?
  • Mind if I take a rain check on that drink? I've got to work late tonight.
  • If it's all right, I'd like a rain check on your invitation.
  • I was planning to ask you in for a brandy, but if you want to take a rain check, that's fine.


Questions:

  • Do you have a similar idiom or expression in your language? How do you use it?
  • Please make a sentence with the phrase "take a rain check".
  • Can you think of another phrase  that's similar to this idiom?


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