English Idioms

Take a Rain Check

Meaning:

• Refuse or decline an offer with the possibility of accepting later on.

Frequency of Use: High

1. I can’t go to the game with you. Could I just take a rain check and go with you next time?
2. Mind if I take a rain check on the school party? My mom isn’t doesn’t well right now.
3. Sorry, but I’ll have to take a rain check on going with you to the movies. I have to study for a test.
4. We couldn’t go out to dinner with my parents because of a scheduling conflict, so we took a rain check. 

1. What are some situations where you would take a rain check instead of going to a party with friends?

You received complimentary tickets to attend the concert of one of the best bands in the country. You also have backstage passes to meet with the band after the show. However, one day before the concert, your brother invites you to a party instead. He says that you shouldn’t miss it because several old friends from high school will be there. So, what will you do in this case: take a rain check on the party and go to the party, or take a rain check on the concert (which may never come again), or attend the party?

Possible Answer: 

“I’ll take a rain check on the concert. I’m thinking about going only because my brother loves the band. I want to see my old friends instead.”

Sometimes, learners know the meaning of an idiom, but they don’t know how to use it correctly in conversation or writing. Thus, this activity checks your grammatical accuracy with the idiom so you become more confident in using it.