English Vocabulary – Idioms with the weather

Hoan-gêng kong-lîm! (that’s “Welcome” in Taiwanese).

Today we will be learning some new idioms.

Idioms are an essential part of the English language, so the more you learn, the more you will be able to fluently understand and converse.

Since we will be looking at idioms with the weather, let’s practice some vocabulary: what is the weather like in your country today?

Bolt from the blue

To do something or have something happen totally unexpectedly.

For example:
“The trip was canceled without any warning; it was a bolt from the blue”

Clouds on the horizon

Trouble in the future.

For example: 
“They just got married and are very happy, right now there are no clouds on the horizon.”

On cloud nine

A person on cloud nine is very, very happy.

For example:
“Maria’s boyfriend proposed yesterday, today she is on cloud nine.”

In the dark

To not inform someone about something, to keep them in the dark.

For example: 
“They didn’t tell Sam he was going to be fired; he was very angry at being kept in the dark.”

Fair-weather friend

Someone who is a friend when things are going well but not there when you are in trouble.

For example: 
“Julia is a fair-weather friend, when I was going through my divorce she disappeared.”

Heavens open

When the heavens open, it means it is raining a lot.

For example:
“In the morning the sky was blue but then in the afternoon the heavens opened.”

Once in a blue moon

Very rarely.

For example: 
“Once in a blue moon, I have a glass of wine. It’s my treat.”

Come rain or shine

Whatever happens.

For example: 
“We will meet for coffee tomorrow, come rain or shine.”

Take a rain check

This means to cancel an invitation or offer for now but might accept it later.

For example:
“Can I take a rain check on your invitation to have lunch? We can do it next week.”

Chasing rainbows

Trying to get something impossible.

For example: 
“He’s trying to get a promotion too soon, in my opinion, he’s chasing rainbows.”

Storm in a teacup

This means to get very excited or very angry about something unimportant.

For example: 
“They were arguing about who was going to go to the supermarket; it was a storm in a teacup.”

Lull before the storm

A period of unnatural calm before a difficult time.

For example: 
“It’s quiet now, but it’s the lull before the storm: people will arrive tomorrow for the sales.”

Face like thunder

To look very angry.

For example:
“After the argument, her face looked like thunder.”

Under the weather

To not feel very well.

For example: 
“I think I’m getting sick, I feel under the weather.”

Get wind of

To hear of something secret.

For example:
“I got wind of Jenny’s surprise party; why did nobody invite me?”

Et voila! You have learned a whole new lot of English idioms. Well done!

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