Weather Idioms and Metaphors: Colorful Ways to Talk About Weather
1 Introduction
English speakers love to talk about the weather using fun expressions. These special phrases help us talk about feelings and situations using weather words. Let’s learn some common weather expressions that will help you speak more naturally.
Key Terms
- expressions
- special phrases that mean something different from the normal words
- naturally
- in a normal, relaxed way
💬 At the Bus Stop
Two friends meet while waiting for the bus on a rainy day
2 Expression Breakdown
Here are some common weather expressions:
Raining cats and dogs – It’s raining very heavily
Under the weather – Feeling sick or unwell
Fair-weather friend – Someone who is only your friend when things are good
Weather the storm – To get through a difficult time
Saving for a rainy day – Keeping money for difficult times
On cloud nine – Very happy
Face like thunder – Looking very angry
Break in the clouds – When a bad situation starts to get better
Key Terms
- heavily
- a lot, with force
- unwell
- sick, not feeling good
💬 In the Office
Two colleagues discussing work challenges
3 Common Learner Pitfalls
Be careful with these expressions:
1. We say ‘under the weather’, not ‘below the weather’
2. ‘Raining cats and dogs’ is only for very heavy rain, not normal rain
Key Terms
- pitfalls
- common mistakes