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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Rain on someone’s parade

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I do not want to rain on your parade, but the tickets are already sold out.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.
Show the answer

Rain on someone’s parade — To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Rain on someone’s parade” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.

Compare: I do not want to rain on your parade, but the tickets are already sold out.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it conversationally when bad news, criticism or an unwelcome action dampens someone’s enthusiasm. It can introduce a necessary objection gently.

More examples in context

  • His sarcastic comment rained on her parade after she shared the good news.
  • We can discuss the practical problems without raining on anyone’s parade.

Usage note

Replace someone’s with the person affected: your parade or her parade. No actual rain or parade is needed.

A short conversation

A: I am planning to invite everyone to the roof terrace.
B: I hate to rain on your parade, but it is closed for repairs.
A: Thanks for telling me before I sent the invitations.

One more practice question

Which comment rains on someone’s parade?

A. An unwelcome comment that spoils their excitement about a plan.
B. A supportive comment that adds to their enjoyment.

Check your answer

A. The comment dampens enthusiasm or spoils the plan.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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