Weather Idioms

Weather Idioms & Expressions for Everyday Conversation

It could be a result of our ever-changing weather, but Irish people talk about the weather constantly! And not only this, we use a lot of weather idioms in our everyday conversation. Here are a few weather idioms and expressions to help you understand and join in:

• The sun is splitting the stones – Irish people will be very happy if they are using this expression – It means extremely sunny!

Example: I can’t believe it’s so hot. The sun is splitting the stones.

• It’s raining cats and dogs – People will not be so happy with this one – It means It’s raining heavily.

Example: They didn’t play the football match because it was raining cats and dogs.

• A dry spell – a period of time with no rain. That’s the literal meaning. The metaphorical meaning is that someone has a period of time which is unsuccessful or unproductive for them.

Example: The artist is having a dry spell. He hasn’t finished any new artworks in 6 months.

• Hit a rough patch – when you are travelling and you come across bad weather or to have difficulty or trouble.

Example: The team hit a rough patch when a new member joined but they solved their problems shortly after.

• Save it for a rainy day – Keep something for when there are more difficult times.

Example: I won’t spend the money now. I’ll save it for a rainy day.

• A storm in a teacup – When you make a small problem seem much bigger than it really is, an exaggeration.

Example: I don’t think it’s such a big problem. Honestly, I think it’s a storm in a teacup.

• Be under the weather – Feel ill.

Example: She’s feeling under the weather today so she’s not coming in to work.

• Moment in the sun – a short period of time when someone is very successful or has a lot of extra attention from others.

Example: Mary really had her moment in the sun when she won that competition. Everyone wanted to talk with her.

• Make hay while the sun shines – work hard when you can.

So make hay while the sun shines – Try to use some of these weather idioms and expressions the next time you’re speaking English, before you forget them!